Mamelodi Sundowns edged closer to securing the Betway Premiership title after defeating relegation-threatened Cape Town City 2-0 on Saturday night.
Betway Premiership
Result: Cape Town City 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 03 May 2025
Venue: DHL Stadium
Sundowns had first choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams back in the starting line-up as the only change from the 3-0 win over Richards Bay on Wednesday evening.
Miguel Cardoso's charges enjoyed more of the possession in the early stages of the encounter, but City were giving special attention to Lucas Costa Ribeiro in an effort to stop the visitors from playing.
It took a while for Sundowns to get the breakthrough but they got their reward in the 34th minute when Iqraam Rayners turned provider to pick out the run of Tashreeq Matthews, who fired into the bottom corner.
City's Darren Keet was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half but he did best to keep the scoreline to one goal after producing a fine save to keep out Thapelo Morena's powerful effort from distance.
The Brazilians carried that momentum into the second half and should have doubled their advantage ten minutes in when Rayners picked out Arthur Sales, who steered his header wide of the upright.
It was one-way traffic as the second half went on, with Matthews going close to doubling the lead on 72 minutes but his volley struck the upright after being picked out by Marcello Allende.
City interim coach Diogo Peral responded with a double change soon after as Kamohelo Mokotjo and Taahir Goedeman replaced Gabriel Amato and Aprocius Petrus in the middle of the park.
However, Sundowns got the next goal as Sales did well to pick out the run of Rayners, who rifled the ball into the far corner to secure his 11th league goal of the campaign.
The win sees Sundowns restore their 12-point lead over Orlando Pirates, meaning two more wins can seal the title, while the Citizens remain in 15th position.
Here's how they lined up:
Cape Town City: 16. Keet, 2. Mkhize, 4. Petrus, 11. Nyama, 14. Idumba, 25. Gordinho, 26. Nodada, 55. Amato, 93. Makaringe, 23. Rhodes, 26. Gonzalez
Subs: 47. Oliaro, 10. Domingo, 12. Mokotjo, 19. Ziba, 24. Francis, 27. Goedeman, 44. Slatsha, 57. Bezuidenhout, 58. Dondolo
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 20. Kekana, 5. Lebusa, 6. Modiba, 27. Morena, 4. Mokoena, 11. Allende, 10. Ribeiro, 17. Matthews, 13. . Rayners, 9. Sales
Subs: 1. Onyango, 42. Khoza, 25. Mudau, 14. Mashego, 21. Mkhulise, 44. Adams, 18. Zwane, 12. Maema, 33. Maseko
