DStv Premiership Champions-elect Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways in the league after a 1-0 win against Richards Bay on Tuesday.
The fixture, initially scheduled for Tuesday last week, was moved due to Sundowns’ CAF commitments, took place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Thapelo Morena scored the only goal of the match for Sundowns, who have now moved to 65 points with three matches to go.
Richards Bay on the other hand continues to drop lower on the DStv Premiership. They have now gone 11 games without a with eight losses and three draws to their name.
The KZN side has now gone from gunning to finish in the top three to fighting to avoid the relegation axe.
With 32 points, bottom-placed Maritzburg United can still catch them if Richards’ poor form continues.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS BACK TO WINNING WAYS
The hosts dominated proceedings in the first half with a few attempts by midfielder Bongani Zungu but his efforts were not good enough.
Sanele Barns was also a big threat for Sundowns in the half and came close on a few occasions.
Mamelodi Sundowns found the lead in the 15th minute through Thapelo Morena, who slotted a shot from inside the box.
It was Morena’s second goal in the league this season. The encounter went into the half-time break with Sundowns leading 1-0.
NATAL RICH BOYS SHOW MORE EFFORT BUT NOT ENOUGH
Richards Bay came back a rejuvenated side and had three good chances to find an equaliser in the first 10 minutes of the half.
The visitors continued to pile pressure in search of the much-needed equaliser but nothing came out of it.
Sundowns will get back to their CAF Champions League duties when they host Algeria side Belouizdad in the second leg of the quarterfinals.
Richards Bay on the other hand will only be back in action on 3 May when they travel to Chippa United.
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