Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns remain at the top of the Betway Premiership log following a 1-0 win against Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday evening. Sundowns maintained their lead at the top of the table on a night when Orlando Pirates went on a five-goal rout, beating Golden Arrows 5-0.
Katlego ‘Tsiki’ Ntsabeleng scored the only goal of the match for Masandawana in the 10th minute. The defending champions showed their intent to score first, attacking aggressively from the start. Masandawana were eventually rewarded when Ntsabeleng scored from a curler with an assist from Marcello Allende.
It was a first league goal from the 28-year-old, who is on a season-long loan from FC Dallas in the MLS.
Four minutes later, Arthur Sales attempted with a backheel, but his effort posed no threat to Darren Keet. Sales was a culprit once again, a few moments later, when he missed a glorious opportunity to double the score with only the goalkeeper to beat, but his shot went over the bar.
The Brazilian striker Sales was proving to be a thorn in the Durban City defence and, this time around, pulled the trigger from inside the box. However, Keet was well-positioned to make a save.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SECURE HARD-FOUGHT WIN AGAINST DURBAN CITY
Ntsabeleng thought he had scored a second for Sundowns, five minutes from the break, but his volley went over the bar.
The home side had their first real opportunity during the referee’s optional time of the first half through Trevor Mokwena, but his shot from outside the box missed the target.
Brayan Leon came close to scoring the second for Sundowns five minutes into the second half, but he was denied by the crossbar with Keet well beaten.
Despite a few attempts from both clubs, the match ended 1-0 in favour of the visitors. Masandawana are now on 56 points, two points above rivals Orlando Pirates.
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