Africa-Press – South-Africa. Runaway DStv Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns overcame a stubborn Sekhukhune United 2-0 on a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The victory meant that the hosts extended their winning run to 14 league games as they moved 22 points clear of second place Richards Bay as they look on course to win a sixth title in a row.
FT | PSL – Mamelodi Sundowns v Sukhukhune United
Peter Shaluile and Cassius Mailula second-half goals proved to be the difference between the two sides. Despite the defeat, Brandon Truter’s men should take pride in the match as they never showed any fear to their opponents and, at times, put them under immense pressure.
Sekhukhune showed their intent as a long ball over the Sundown’s backline nearly set Victor Letsoalo through; however, it was cleared by the Brazilians centre-back Brian Onyango in the opening seconds of the match.
Soon after, the hosts started to have more of the ball and Sphelele Mkhulise had a long-range effort; however it went wide to spare Sekhukhunes’ goalkeeper Badra Sangare’s blushes.
During the opening period, Sundown’s players, such as Uruguayan Gaston Sirino and Mkhulise were finding plenty of space in the Sekhukhune half.
Mkhulise found Neo Maema in plenty of space, but the keeper dealt with his half-volley as he palmed the ball out for a corner.
Mkhulise who was involved in most of Sundowns good moments, again found space on the left when he squared it to Sipho Mbule who hit a powerful strike but he failed to hit the target.
A brilliant run from Sifiso Ngobeni was spotted and he found the league’s top goal scorer Shalulile but the clinical forward could not beat SangareĢ from close range. Not long after, neat footwork from Maema found Shaluile in the penalty area; however, his header flew well over the bar.
The hosts kept on probing at the stubborn Sekhukhune defence as Mkhulise gave a lovely threaded pass to Sirino, who delivered a powerful cross in the area but once again, Shalulile could not direct the ball on target as they entered the break level.
Sundowns began the second half the better of the sides as they looked to find a way to break through Sekhukhunes’ defence.
Their efforts were rewarded as Shaluile gave his side the lead in the 49th minute. The industrious Sirino found space at the edge of the area and took a shot at goal, but his shot was intercepted by his teammate as the instinctive Shaluile tapped the ball beyond Sangare to give the hosts a deserving lead.
Babina Noko responded well after going behind as they started to unsettle the Sundowns team. They thought they responded immediately, but Ohizu Chibuike was miles offside.
Despite the offside call, the visitors kept up the pressure as substitute Elias Mokwana, who was left unchallenged in the Sundowns area, almost stunned the hosts; however, it was dealt with by Sundowns keeper Denis Onyango.
A few moments of chaos ensured in the 62 minute as Rodrick Kabwe hit a threatening strike which was saved by Onyango and then Sekhukhune thought they finally found the equaliser; however, once again, it was an offside goal leaving their bench furious. Replays show that the decision was correct.
In the 75th minute, Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende received a deserved red card as he fouled Letsoalo to put his side under pressure and give the away side a chance to equalise or perhaps run away with all three points.
Despite being a man down, Mailula scored from close range to put Sekhukhune to bed and extend their lead.
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