Mamelodi Sundowns have set a new PSL record after a 2-0 victory over SuperSport United in the DStv Premiership’s Tshwane Derby on Wednesday at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
With this victory, the Brazilians registered their ninth consecutive win from the start of the new season, becoming the first club to achieve the feat in the PSL era. In their last league match, they matched Kaizer Chiefs‘ record of eight straight wins dating back to the 2014/15 season.
Not a lot separated the league champions and the hosts in the opening exchanges as both teams protected their ends. As time went on, Sundowns seemed to be winning the midfield battle, enjoying more ball possession than SuperSport.
In spite of that, they were struggling to make the breakthrough with the home side solid at the back. Meanwhile, Matsatsa a Pitori were looking to beat the opponents with transitions when Masandawana lost the ball.
SHALULILE SCORES 110TH GOAL IN PSL
In the 29th minute, Grant Margeman cleared the ball off the line, preventing Sundowns from opening the scoreline. And a minute later, Peter Shalulile broke the deadlocks with an easy tap in after a cut-back from Lebohang Maboe.
This was the Namibian’s 110th goal in the PSL, joining Daniel Mudau and Mabhuti Khenyeza in second place behind Siyabonga Nomvethe who’s still the top-goal scorer.
Seeking to level the scoreline, SuperSport exerted pressure on Sundowns but Williams made a couple of saves to keep their 1-0 lead.
Five minutes before the break, the Sundowns goalkeeper made another fantastic save, denying Gamphani Lungu an equaliser as the Zambian forward unleashed a thunderous shot on the edge of the box.
In injury time, Lucas Ribeiro Costa added the second one for Rulani Mokwena’s side with a thing of beauty. Neo Maema chipped the ball from the free-kick spot while the Brazilian striker, unmarked, rounded the defenders, chested the ball and rattled the back of the net after a sharp turn.
The match went to half-time with Sundowns leading 2-0.
With the introduction of Teboho Mokoena in the second half, Sundowns got a boost in the midfield as they continued to dominate.
BOTH SIDES WASTING CHANCES
In the 51st minute, Maboe squandered a golden opportunity after a set-up by Neo Maema in the box. The former Maritzburg United midfielder sent the ball wide. Shalulile and Ribeiro could have bagged braces in the match but they both ballooned their attempts over the bar.
Following another attack-minded change from Mokwena, bringing on Zwane later in the second stanza, SuperSport found it difficult to take the balls off the opponents’ toes.
In the last 15 minutes, SuperSport made some box entries but Mamelodi Sundowns’ defence swept everything as they were aiming for the maximum points. The visitors went on to grab the derby bragging rights and retained their first place on the log standings.
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