Mamelodi Sundowns recorded a 2-1 win over Chippa United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in the DStv Premiership.
After a thoroughly intense opening half, The Brazilians found the back of the net in the 14th minute of open play, Aubrey Modiba perfectly placed his free kick in the box which connected with Teboho Mokoena who finished off in style to give the home team the lead. In response to Masandawana’s advantage, the Chili Boys looked to equalize immediately after replay, however Downs goalie Ronwen Williams made a comfortable save to keep his side in favor.
Sundowns continued with more chances upfront heading towards the half hour mark with Cassius Mailula and Themba Zwane exchanging passes in Chippa’s box. Mailula was eventually brought down after his shot was blocked by the defenders before he could place it on target. The home team went into the break with one goal ahead of the Gqeberha based team which struggled to find an equalizer.
An even start between the two teams in the second half resumed, both teams interchanged in attack pushing forward in search of an opportunity to score but the scoreline remained unchanged. Bafana Ba Style decided to bring on Gaston Sirino, Lesedi Kapinga in place of Haashim Domingo and Zwane just before the one hour mark, as well as Peter Shalulile who swapped with Mailula. Sipho Mbule was also introduced after 63 minutes, making his 10th appearance for the Champions side since making his move to Chloorkop.
With a little just over ten minutes from coming on to the field, Shalulile marked his return to the squad with a sensational goal. Sirino picked out Sfiso Ngobeni who had just stepped on the on the field with a wonderful cross upfront. With Shalulile stretching out the defenders, Ngobeni lifted the ball towards the Namibian international and the defence were unable to prevent Shalulile’s header.
The reigning top goal scorer of the season could have added to the scoreline shortly after, but his attempt at scoring a brace was blocked out for a corner kick. In a match dominated by Masandawana, the Chili Boys put on a fight to find a consolation goal in the dying minutes of the game. The visitors put one goal in through Thabiso Lebitso, denying the hosts another clean sheet in the league.
Masandawana remained first place in the DStv Premiership log with 40 points and will be back in action next week when they meet with SuperSport United in the Tshwane derby.
SOURCED FROM DOWNS WEBSITE.
