Mamelodi Sundowns are one win away from claiming an eighth straight PSL title following a 3-0 victory against Chippa United on Wednesday.
Sundowns did their job early when they scored twice inside 40 minutes to make life difficult for Chippa, who were second best in the entire contest.
Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring after 29 minutes when he swept home Khuliso Mudau’s pass to make it back-to-back games in which he has scored.
How did the Brazilians outclass Chippa?
A good exchange of passes between Arthur Sales and Mudau on the right wing saw the Brazilian pass to the right-back and he got quickly into the box after beating his markers before laying it on the plate for Rayners to sweep home his 12th of the season.
The second goal arrived in some fortunate fashion for Sundowns when Chippa’s highly-rated goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a mess of a high ball, coming out for it but failing to catch it, and it fell kindly to Jayden Adams for an easy tap in after 40 minutes.
Chippa’s best chance fell to Craig Martin just after halftime when Sundowns goalkeeper Dennis Onyango received a pass but delayed to clear and the winger robbed him but fired inches wide.
What do Sundowns need to win the title?
Sundowns were patient and took their foot off the peddle until the 80th minute when Sales showed his brilliance with a defence-slitting ball that found Thapelo Maseko on the edge of the box and the substitute made no mistakes.
The goal gave Sundowns a comfortable 3-0 and it was also a landmark strike as it was their 57th goal of the season from 25 matches, setting a new record for goals scored in a single campaign.
The win takes Sundowns’ tally to 64 points, 12 ahead of second placed Orlando Pirates, and with three games left, they can wrap up the title if they beat Stellenbosch on Sunday.
