SuperSport United have moved level at the top of the DStv Premiership after claiming a 2-0 away win over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The result – secured by goals from Bradley Grobler and Sipho Mbule – sees Matsatsantsa join Mamelodi Sundowns and Swallows FC on 27 points in a three-way tie at the top of the log. ‘Downs lead on goal difference, with United second and the Birds third. Vhadau Vha Damani, meanwhile, remain bottom of the log.
The first clear chance of the game went the way of Tshakhuma in the eighth minute, with a wild bounce off the sodden playing surface allowing Celimpilo Ngema to run through on goal, but he ended up hitting the side netting from a tight angle.
SuperSport struggled to get their attacking game going, with strike partners Bradley Grobler and Thamsanqa Gabuza not given great service in the opening period, while TTM offered a threat through dribbling wizard Thabo Rakhale, who needed constant close attention from the United defence.
Vhadau Vha Damani had another great chance on 40 minutes when Ngema played in Edgar Manaka, but SuperSport goalkeeper Ronwen Williams came off his line quickly to narrow the angle and make a fine save.
Goalless at the break, the second half saw Matsatsantsa up their attacking game and begin putting pressure on the hosts, with the likes of Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Sipho Mbule having efforts at goal.
The Tshwane side then broke the deadlock on 59 minutes, with Lucky Mohomi playing a brilliant pass to put Grobler into space – the striker’s shot really should have been saved by Tshakhuma goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo, but the ball found its way over the line to see United 1-0 up.
On 67 minutes SuperSport doubled their advantage and took total control of the game, as Mbule finished from close range thanks to an inch-perfect cross from substitute Kudakwashe Mahachi.
TTM looked for a way back into the game and had a couple of decent opportunities through Ndivhuwo Ravhuhali, but United were able to hold out for a win which lifts them to the summit of the PSL table.
The teams will return to DStv Premiership action next Saturday, January 30, with SuperSport at home to Swallows FC and Tshakhuma visiting Bloemfontein Celtic.
Tshakhuma TM 0
SuperSport United (0) 2 (Grobler 59’, Mbule 67’)
TTM: Mhlongo, Lukhubeni, Thangwane, Ravhuhali, Nkili, Timm, Ngema, Theron, Rakhale, Manaka, Lamola
SuperSport: Williams, Phillips, Fleurs, Kekana, Ditlhokwe, Webber (Waiswa 84’), Mbule (Khumalo 88’), Mhomi, Lungu (Mahachi 62’), Grobler, Gabuza©
SOURCED FROM THE PSL WEBSITE.
