Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have increased the point gap at the top of the Betway Premiership table following a 3-0 win against Polokwane City FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The two teams had met four days before in another Betway Premiership, where Sundowns secured a hard-fought 1-0 win. Masandawana made two changes to the side that beat Polokwane in Seshego, with Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile relegated to the bench, while Teboho Mokoena and Tashreeq Matthews started the match.
The home side dominated from the early stages, with a few attempts, especially from crosses.
Rayners got a glorious opportunity to open the scoring in the 17th minute after a cross from Thapelo Morena. But Rayners, who is also in contention for the Betway Premiership, top goal scorer award, missed the opportunity, heading the ball to Polokwane City goalkeeper, Lindokuhle Mathebula.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS BEAT POLOKWANE CITY FOR THE SECOND TIME IN FOUR DAYS
However, finally found the back of the net for his 12th league game of the season through a header after a cross from Teboho Mokoena.
The visitors made two changes coming into the second half with Raymond Daniels coming in for Sapholwethu Kelepu, while captain Puleng Marema came in for Sibusiso Tshabalala.
The home side doubled the score 11 minutes into the second half via Tashreeq Matthews, who slotted home a powerful shot from outside the box to beat Mathebula.
Polokwane City got a glorious chance to decrease the lead after they were awarded a penalty kick 10 minutes later when Aubrey Modiba handled the ball inside the box.
But substitute Puleng Marema miscued his kick, blasting the ball over the crossbar. Sundowns launched an immediate attack and nearly scored through Themba Zwane, but he was denied by Mathebula. Second half substitute Nuno Santos scored the third for the home side with five minutes remaining to secure maximum points.
The win takes Sundowns to 64 points from 27 matches, five points ahead of rivals Orlando Pirates, who have a match in hand.
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