Mamelodi Sundowns reclaimed the top spot from Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership after defeating Chippa United 4-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Good Friday.
The Chloorkop-based side scored goals courtesy of Marcelo Allende, Iqraam Rayners, Tashreeq Matthews, and Brayan Leon, while Sinoxolo Kwayiba netted the consolation goal for the visiting side.
As a result of the win, Sundowns moved to the summit of the table with 53 points in 22 games, while Pirates dropped to second position with 51 points.
Sundowns hosted the Chilli Boys in the league encounter just two days after the conclusion of the FIFA international break. The Brazilians made a handful of changes in their starting line-up against Chippa after having key players in the Bafana Bafana squad that faced Panama in back-to-back friendlies.
Coach Miguel Cardoso rested talented centre-back Khulumani Ndamane, while players such as Themba Zwane, Khuliso Mudau, and Teboho Mokoena started on the bench.
Despite the changes, Sundowns were still quick to impose themselves against Chippa, who deployed a low block to absorb pressure from the defending champions.
SINOXOLO KWAYIBA SCORED THE ONLY GOAL FOR CHIPPA UNITED
The Tshwane giants created all sorts of problems for Chippa in defence as they looked to score an early goal and take full control of the match. Downs broke the deadlock in the 21st minute with a powerful strike from Marcelo Allende to take a 1-0 lead. In the 37th minute, Sundowns doubled their lead through Iqraam Ranyers, who took his goal tally in the league to 11 goals. A few minutes later, Chippa pulled one back with a goal from Sinoxolo Kwayiba to take the match to the half-time break at 2-1.
With both teams looking to up the tempo of the match in the second half, Sundowns brought in Themba Zwane in place of Nuno Santos, while Chippa pulled off Malebogo Modise to bring in Justice Figuareido.
But it was Sundowns who continued to dominate the proceedings in the second stanza with their impressive ball retention. At the same time, the Eastern Cape outfit searched for an equalising goal to walk away with a point away from home.
The Miguel Cardoso-coached side scored the late goals from Tashreeq Matthews and Brayan Leon to put the game to bed and collect all three points to move to the top of the league table.
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