Mamelodi Sundowns beat relegation-threatened Cape Town City FC 2-0 at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening to edge closer to clinching the Betway Premiership title.
Masandawana came into the match after they outclassed Richards Bay FC with a 3-0 win midweek. The defending champions made a few changes from the side that played on Wednesday.
Denis Onyango, Khuliso Mudau and Malibongwe Khoza were dropped to the bench. Number one goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Mosa Lebusa and Thapelo Morena came in place of the trio.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DOMINATE TROUBLED CAPE TOWN CITY IN BETWAY PREMIERSHIP CLASH
Sundowns dominated the first-half with a few attempts compared to the home side. But they had an injury scare in the 12th minute when star player Lucas Ribeiro Costa looked like he had suffered a serious injury. However, the Brazilian was able to continue after being given medical attention.
Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners came close to scoring the opener 10 minutes later with a header from the centre of the box, but missed the top left corner.
Cape Town City forward Darwin González unleashed a long-range shot outside the 18-yard box, but Williams was well placed to make a brilliant save.
TASHREEQ MATTHEWS AND IQRAAM RAYNERS SEAL CRUCIAL VICTORY FOR MASANDAWANA
The visitors were finally rewarded with an opener 10 minutes from the break. Tashreeq Matthews easily finished with a tap-in after a cross from Ribeiro. The visitors nearly doubled the score three minutes later after a good run by Teboho Mokoena, but his shot was well saved by Darren Keet.
Sundowns players felt they deserved a penalty 10 minutes into the second-half after Idumba Fasika had challenged Ribeiro inside the box. But the referee ignored their plea and waved play on. Iqraam Rayners doubled the score for Sundowns in the 78th minute to seal the victory for the visitors.
As a result of the win, Sundowns are now 12 points above second-placed Orlando Pirates with four matches to play. They now need two wins to clinch the league title. The Citizens, on the other hand, are in deep trouble. They are rooted in 15th place and need to win their remaining two matches to avoid going into the playoffs.
In Saturday’s other league action, SuperSport United secured a 2-0 victory over Chippa United, while Magesi FC and Sekhukhune United drew 1-1. Golden Arrows, however, suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of Stellenbosch FC.
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