Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns beat Sekhukhune United 2-0 at ABSA Tuks Stadium on Saturday to extend their unbeaten run in the 2021/22 DStv Premiership season.
Goals from Neo Maema and Themba Zwane either side of the break navigated Sundowns back to winning ways in rainy conditions. Victory moved the league leaders and defending champions nine points clear at the top, while Sekhukhune remained in third place following the result.
Sundowns were on top of the visitors in the opening exchanges and Neo Maema got the first real opening in the 16th minute with curling strike that dipped slightly over the bar.
Maema eventually broke the deadlock for the hosts five minutes later with a clinical half-volley inside the box into the top corner after a knockdown by Peter Shalulile.
The hosts dominated the remainder of the half, racking up close to 400 passes while Denis Onyango remained a mere spectator.
The Brazilains were awarded a golden chance to double their lead before the hour mark when Nyiko Mobbie was adjudged to have handled the ball insde the area, although replays suggested that it hit his chest and not his arm. Nevertheless, Zwane stepped up and made no mistake from the penalty spot.
Sekhukhune improved after this and Cheslyn Jampies forced Onyango into a good save with a powerful drive from range in the 77th minute.
Onyango was then sent off with four minute of regulation time remaining following a cynical foul on Tshediso Patjie after Mosa Lebusa had coughed up possession.
This forced Sundowns into a change and Kennedy Mweene had to be alert to keep out Jampies from the resulting free-kick. Sundowns successfully saw out the remainder of the fixture to walk away with all three points.
Meanwhile Wayde Lekay scored a late equaliser to earn TS Galaxy a point in a 2-2 DStv Premiership draw against Cape Town City at Mbombela Stadium
The result leaves the two clubs in 13th and ninth place on the 2021/22 league standings respectively with the Rockets now a point above the relegation zone.