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15 February 2012

ABSA Premiership

Date: 15 February 2012

Teams: AmaZulu 0-1 Sundowns

Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium

Referee: Thabo Nkosi

Sundowns moved five points clear at the summit with a 1-0 victory over AmaZulu on Wednesday evening.

Lebohang Mokoena's 79th minute header proved decisive in a contest short of chances at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

In a goalless first half, the Brazilians threatened early as Teko Modise fired over the cross bar with six minutes on the clock.

Soon after, Downs goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands comfortably foiled Bongani Mbhele's free-kick after Surprise Moriri was adjudged to have fouled Goodman Dlamini.

Both sides struggled to make an impact in the final third, perhaps showing the rusty effects of a seven-week break to accomodate the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Downs duo Themba Zwane and Katlego Mphela did have cracks on goal, but the former shot wide on 35 minutes, while Killer's effort was assuredly dealt with by Tapuwa Kapini shortly before the break.

The second stanza was similarly uninspiring, with AmaZulu's Ayanda Dlamini ballooning a shot over three minutes in. Cobra was making a nuisance of himself up front but was unable to breach the Brazilians rearguard. Midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni also showed intent but his long range strike found the safe frame of Sandilands.

Notably, Downs' Anthony Laffor came on just past the hour in place of Elias Pelembe. The lanky Liberian was one of the major signings of the January transfer window from Tshwane rivals SuperSport United.

With sporadic goal-mouth action, the deadock was eventually broken late on, as Mokoena headed home Zwane's cross to effectively snipe the points in Durban.

Adidas adizero f50 moment: AmaZulu midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni has a look up before thundering a powerful, rasping effort on goal. However, Sundowns net-minder Wayne Sandilands is alert to the danger and makes a telling stop for the league leaders.

AmaZulu:  Tapuwa Kapini, Kasonga Bukasa, Carlington Nyandombo, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Tshweu Mokoro, Moses Chavula, Stanley Kgatla, Bongani Mbhele (Shipahu 81'), Kagiso Senamela, Goodman Dlamini (Zwane 89'), Ayanda Dlamini.
 

Sundowns:  Wayne Sandilands, Siyanda Xulu, Method Mwanjali, Punch Masenamela, Themba Zwane, Lebohang Mokoena, Siyabonga Ngubane, Elias Pelembe (Laffor 65'), Teko Modise, Katlego Mphela (Mushekwi 72'), Surprise Moriri (Nyandoro 91').

Goals: Lebohang Mokoena (Sundowns 79').