Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns restored their 12-point lead at the top of the Betway Premiership table after defeating Chippa United 3-0 on Wednesday night.
Sundowns dominated possession from early on, but had to be patient in terms of breaking down a disciplined and deep-sitting Chippa defence.
The breakthrough for the hosts arrived in the 29th minute, with Khuliso Mudau combining with Arthur Sales down the right flank, before playing in a low cross for Iqraam Rayners, who whipped the ball into the back of the net from close range for 1-0.
The second goal arrived 11 minutes later, with Chippa goalkeeper flapping at Teboho Mokoena’s free kick, and Jayden Adams gleefully turned home the loose ball for one of the easiest goals he will score in his career.
Chippa made a double change at the start of the second half to shake things up tactically, and they were close to pulling a goal back in the 56th minute, as Craig Martin charged down Denis Onyango’s attempted clearance, but he was unable to find the target with the subsequent loose ball.
Sundowns dialled up their attacking pressure as the second half wore on, and scored a third in the 81st minute via substitute Thapelo Maseko, who provided a crisp left-footed finish into the bottom corner of the net after being teed up by Sales.
Sundowns now sit on 64 points with three matches remaining in the campaign. The Tshwane giants are one win away from clinching a record-extending 18th South African league title and a 15th championship in the PSL era.
Sundowns will return to league action on Sunday 11 May with a match at home to Stellenbosch FC, while Chippa’s next outing is the return game against the Brazilians on Wednesday 14 May at the Buffalo City Stadium.