Title Race Over? Downs Sink SSU To Open 14-Point Lead!

DStv Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns claimed the bragging rights in the Tshwane derby after defeating SuperSport United 1-0 on Monday evening.

DStv Premiership

Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 SuperSport United

Date: 16 January 2023

Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium

Sundowns made two changes to the side that beat Chippa United, as Gaston Sirino and Neo Maema were recalled, with Peter Shalulile starting on the bench once again. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ricardo Goss and Grant Margeman could not play against their parent club.

The game got off to a quick start as the Brazilians nearly went ahead within the first nine minutes from a deflected clearance by SuperSport but goalkeeper George Chigova prevented an own goal with a reflex save.

Matsatsantsa also had a chance to grab an early lead moments later after Thapelo Maseko went clear on goal but he dragged his shot wide with only shot-stopper Ronwen Williams to beat.

As the game progressed, Rulani Mokwena's charges looked more threatening and they had a chance just after the half-hour mark after Sirino played low cross that evaded Themba Zwane by inches to make a tap-in.

Sundowns' pressure eventually paid off just before the halftime interval after Neo Maema placed a composed finish into the roof of the net after combining with Cassius Mailula in the box.

Are you enjoying our new online stadium? SNL24.com is Soccer Laduma's new home. You'll not only get the best soccer news, but you will also be able to comment on articles, view other comments, save articles to read later and much more! SIGN UP for free and explore our new home!

Masandawana struggled to break down SuperSport's defence early in the second stanza and only had an opening towards the hour-mark as Maema curled one over the crossbar from the edge of the box.

SuperSport needed to get into the game after that as Gavin Hunt made a triple attacking change, as he brought on Iqraam Rayners, Thalente Mbatha and Aubrey Ngoma.

The Brazilians also had fresh legs in the attack in the closing stages, as Peter Shalulile and Thabiso Kutumela entered the fray.

However, Matsatsantsa had more urgency going forward and with 73 minutes on the clock, Rayners almost went clear on goal but Mothobi Mvala made a last-ditch tackle in the box to snuff out the opportunity.

With the game on the edge in the dying minutes, Shalulile almost put the game to bed for Masandawana with a strike in the top corner that was plucked out by Chigova.

SuperSport were still in it as Maseko came close to snatching the equaliser moments later with a shot that came off the crossbar, as the hosts held on for their 11th win in a row and moved 14 points clear at the top.

Here's how they lined up:

Mamelodi Sundowns: 32. Williams, 25. Mudua, 17. Modiba, 3. De Reuck, 34. Mvala, 4. Mokoena, 18. Zwane, 11. Allende, 35. Maema, 10. Sirino, 33. Mailula.

Subs: 14. D. Onyango, 37. Ngobeni, 38. Shalulile, 28. Ralani, 20. Kekana, 24. Mbule, 21. Mkhulise, 26. Saavedra, 12. Kutumela.

SuperSport United: 1. Chigova, 18. Nhlapo, 25. Fleurs, 37. Johannes, 14. Bhasera, 4. Kewuti, 15. Ndlovu, 28. Maswanganyi, 17. Lungu, 40. Maseko, 13. Gabuza

Subs: 31. Pule, 43. Rapoo, 16. Mbatha, 26. Donn, 9. Rayners, 11. Ngoma, 12. Webber

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.