Mamelodi Sundowns have widened the gap at the summit of the Betway Premiership standings after a 3-0 win over Richards Bay FC on Wednesday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Arthur Sales, Iqraam Rayners, and Marcelo Allende were on the scoresheet for the Brazilians. This win saw them move 12 points clear at the top of the table after the fellow title hopefuls Orlando Pirates suffered a 1-0 loss against Sekhukhune United. However, the Buccaneers still have two games in hand.
Four changes were made to the Sundowns starting line-up by coach Miguel Cardoso from the team that started against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League semi-final return-leg in Cairo.
Bringing in Denis Onyango, Malibongwe Khoza, Arthur Sales, and Iqraam Rayners, he dropped Ronwen Williams, Mosa Lebusa, Jayden Adams, and Thapelo Morena for the Richards Bay tie.
The Tshwane giants asserted their dominance from the outset, controlling the opening exchanges as they pushed for an early goal.
EARLY GOAL FROM SUNDOWNS VIA SALES
Their early attacking efforts bore fruit when Arthur Sales tapped home Teboho Mokoena’s chip pass to open the scoring in the eighth minute.
Richards Bay started to emerge from their half shortly after, playing with the clear intention of creating chances to level the score. Yet, Masandawana’s dominance in possession persisted, with play largely in the opponents’ half.
In the 24th minute, Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno was called upon to make a crucial save when Teboho Mokoena struck a powerful shot from outside the box.
Sundowns doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Iqraam Rayners registered his tenth league goal of the season, heading home a cross delivered by Tashreeq Matthews.
Sundowns held a 2-0 lead at half-time.
After the break, the hosts maintained their dominance and scored a third goal with Marcelo Allende finding the net following a set-up by Sales.
Cardoso made two changes in the 52nd minute, taking off Mokoena and Allende and introducing Adams and Sphelele Mkhulise.
Sundowns’ persistent pressure on the opposition led to the creation of numerous scoring chances in pursuit of more goals. In the 73rd minute, Otieno made a brilliant save from a powerful shot by Ribeiro from close range.
The three goals were enough to see Sundowns walk away with all three points at home.
STELLENBOSCH VS CHIPPA RESULT
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch secured maximum points after a 1-0 triumph over Chippa United. The match took place at the Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesay evening. Sanele Barns rattled the back of the net in the 83rd minute.
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