Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns kept their undefeated record intact in the DStv Premiership, defeating Baroka FC 2-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium this afternoon.
Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango were back in the side after missing the CAF Champions League encounter this week, while Rivaldo Coetzee joined Andile Jali in midfield.
The result, secured by goals from Lyle Lakay and Themba Zwane, sees the Brazilians move clear of nearest chasers Swallows FC (who will be in action on Sunday in the ‘original’ Soweto derby), while Bakgaga remain in eighth spot and are now 12 points off the pace of their opponents after suffering a fourth defeat of the campaign.
After a handful of chances in the first half, the Brazilians were unfortunate to head to the interval with nothing to show for their efforts, which were either dismantled by their finishing, brilliant goalkeeping by Oscarine Masuluke or the woodwork.
Gaston Sirino made his long-awaited return to the Brazilians team when he replaced Aubrey Modiba on the hour mark. And he forced Masuluke into having to tip the ball over the bar with a swerving effort soon afterwards.
Then, Sibusiso Vilakazi’s half-volley brought an excellent save out of the Bakgaga shot-stopper once again. George Maluleka then curled a superb free-kick right on the edge of the box and it was heading for the top-right only for Masuluke to claw it away conce again.
The teams will return to DStv Premiership action next Saturday, 16 January, with Sundowns away to SuperSport United in the Tshwane derby and Baroka at home to high-flying Swallows FC.
Baroka FC 0
Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 2 (Lakay 56’, Zwane 90+1′).
Baroka: Masuluke, Mphahlele, Farmer, Shozi, Gebhardt, Patjie (Nkhona 74’), Kambala (Mahlonoko 64’), Mosele, Phiri Jr (Mogale 64’), Mgaga, Monama (Jampies 90’)
Sundowns: D. Onyango, Morena, Nascimento, B. Onyango, Lakay, Maboe (Maluleka 80’), Coetzee, Mvala (Jali 80’), Modiba (Sirino 60’), Zwane, Shalulile.
Other PSL Results:
TS Galaxy 0-3 Supersport United.
Golden Arrows 1-0 Chippa United.