Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chippa United at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.
Sundowns opened up a 12-point gap on the chasing pack ahead of Cape Town City’s trip to Royal AM on Sunday, March 10, with the United dropping to 11th in the standings after suffering their first defeat in 2024.
The Brazilians were looking to extend their lead at the top of the table after both Stellenbosch and SuperSport United dropped points on Saturday, while Chippa hoped to end a 21-game winless run against the Tshwane giants stretching back to 2012.
The hosts wasted little time in asserting their authority on proceedings as they opened the scoring after nine minutes when Teboho Mokoena rifled the ball into the back of the net on the half-volley.
Thabo September and Kwanele Kopo’s side almost hit back five minutes later, but Ronwen Williams made a superb save at point-blank range to deny them an equaliser and the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper was alert to the danger again on 18 minutes to prevent Bienvenu Eva Nga from scoring after being played through on goal.
Peter Shalulile was presented with a chance to double Masandawana’s advantage in the 27th minute after latching onto a loose ball inside the box, but the Namibia international lashed his shot over the crossbar.
Bafana ba Style took their one-lead lead into the break and they nearly made it 2-0 five minutes after the restart as Lucas Ribeiro produced an exquisite touch to bring the ball under control before attempting to lob Stanley Nwabali, who managed to palm the ball behind for a corner.
Themba Zwane was just inches away from picking out the bottom corner of the net with a placed effort on 69 minutes, but fellow substitute Tashreeq Matthews took just five minutes to make an impact off the bench when he slotted past Lloyd Kazapua in the 85th minute after being picked out by Mokoena.
Sundowns kept their 13th clean sheet of the season and they are next in action against local rivals SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday, March 12, with the Chilli Boys taking on Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, March 30.
Meanwhile Richards Bay and TS Galaxy played out a 0-0 stalemate in their DStv Premiership match at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday night.
Elsewhere Sekhukhune United recorded their fourth straight win in the DStv Premiership this week, following a convincing 4-1 win over Moroka Swallows at the Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday evening.