Sundowns show no mercy to Richards Bay to retain top spot

Mamelodi Sundowns maintained their charge up the Betway Premiership table thanks to a 4-1 defeat of Richards Bay at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday.

Goals from Tashreeq Matthews, Iqraam Rayners, who scored a brace, and a Fawaaz Basiden strike led the Brazilians to the huge win.

Sundowns dominated possession and it was not a surprise when Matthews scored the opening goal after 18 minutes. Richards Bay watched the ball as Sundowns players passed it around their box before Matthews got a free shot.

Sundowns not pegged back for long

Their lead, however, lasted just four minutes before the home side drew level. Nqaba Xulu had unleashed a ferocious shot which Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams punched away but the ball fell to Lwandile Mabuya, who slammed home the rebound.

Sundowns kept pushing and were rewarded with the second goal in the 37^th minute when Rayners got on the end of a Cassius Mailula shot to head home unmarked in the box.

Miguel Cardoso’s side went into the break with their tails up and picked up from where they left off upon resumption.

Brazilians show no mercy in KZN

Rayners scored his second after being set up by Matthews and although the assistant referee raised his flag for an offside, he was overruled by centre referee Moreki Lekwape.

Sundowns completed the job just before the hour mark when Basadien tapped home from Teboho Mokoena’s well-chipped pass in the 59^th minute.

Victory maintains Sundowns’ spot at the top of the table with 23 points from nine matches, one ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have played eight.