Pretoria – Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 in an Absa Premiership fixture at Loftus Stadium on Saturday night.
The result sees log leaders Sundowns on 62 points, now six points clear of closest rivals Wits, who have 56.
In an entertaining match, it was Sundowns who created the first opportunity, but Khama Billiat shot over the cross bar. At the other end, Keagan Ritchie’s cross found Bernard Parker charging into the penalty area, but the Chiefs striker was unable to get at the end of it.
The tit-for-tat action continued as Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune saved to deny Sundowns’ Leonardo Castro, while Sundowns keeper Denis Onyango gathered to prevent Kgotso Moleko from threatening.
Later, Chiefs’ Reneilwe Letsholonyane fired over the bar, while Sundowns’ Hlompho Kekana was denied by a smart tackle from Amakhosi hard-man, Willard Katsande.
The Soweto side, though, was gradually gaining the upper hand and they made it count when Lorenzo Gordinho scored in the 34th minute.
But Sundowns were back in it in the 44th minute when Billiat’s free-kick provided the opening for Castro to head home and make the score 1-1.
There was no let-up in the second half as the two teams continued to dish up some really exciting football. Chiefs’ George Maluleka showed some great skill four minutes into the second period, but couldn’t find a way through.
In the 55th minute Sundowns took a 2-1 lead after Eric Mathoho was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Thabo Nthethe stepped up and coolly converted the spotkick.
Chiefs were then struck a huge blow just after the hour mark when Gordinho was sent off after picking up his second booking of the night. The setback handed the advantage to Sundowns, who duly increased their lead to 3-1 when Katsande, under pressure, steered the ball into his own net.
The Soweto team brought on Edward Manqele for George Lebese, hoping it would provide some inspiration. Manqele made an immediate impact in setting up and opportunity for Parker, who sent his attempt wide.
– ANA