Mamelodi Sundowns maintained their lead atop the Betway Premiership on Saturday night, defeating a struggling Cape Town City side 2-0 at the DHL Stadium.
In a match pitting the league's pacesetters against a team fighting for survival, Sundowns proved too strong, moving closer to securing an eighth successive title under Miguel Cardoso.
For Cape Town City, the defeat, coupled with SuperSport United's victory, leaves them in a precarious position, two points behind a trio of teams just above the relegation playoff spot with only two games left.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Cape Town City, led by caretaker coach Diogo Peral, began with energy. Their high press created an early opportunity in the fourth minute when Jaedin Rhodes delivered a dangerous cross, forcing Ronwen Williams to react swiftly.
However, Sundowns soon took control. In the 15th minute, a swift attack saw them penetrate the City defense, with desperate defending just preventing Lucas Ribeiro from scoring.
Teboho Mokoena's follow-up shot was deflected, and from the subsequent corner, Aubrey Modiba's header required a full-stretch save from Darren Keet.
Mokoena again tested Keet with a curling effort in the 20th minute, and Iqraam Rayners headed over shortly after. City's own set-piece in the 28th minute came to nothing as Thami Mkhize couldn't make clean contact.
IQRAAM RAYNERS’ 11TH LEAGUE GOAL OF THE SEASON
The deadlock was broken in the 34th minute by Sundowns. Iqraam Rayners timed his run to perfection, staying onside before providing a composed assist for Tashreeq Matthews, who calmly slotted home.
Sundowns almost doubled their lead three minutes later, but Keet was equal to Thapelo Morena's fierce drive. Cape Town City started the second half with renewed intent, with Thabo Nodada firing over early on.
However, Sundowns continued to create the better chances. A defensive miscue from Aprocious Petrus in the 54th minute led to a penalty appeal from Lucas Ribeiro that was waved away. Arthur Sales' header drifted wide, and Rayners missed from close range.
Teboho Mokoena's free-kick in the 65th minute hit the wall, offering City a brief reprieve. Darren Keet made another good save from Marcelo Allende in the 70th minute, and the woodwork denied Matthews his second goal in the 72nd.
The win was sealed in the 78th minute when Arthur Sales provided a perfectly weighted pass for Iqraam Rayners, who finished clinically to secure the three points for Sundowns and leave Cape Town City facing a tense conclusion to their season.
