Result: AmaZulu 0-3 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 04 January 2020
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Mamelodi Sundowns took full advantage of Kaizer Chiefs' slip-up on Saturday after cruising to a 3-0 win over AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Masandawana boss Pitso Mosimane made three changes from their narrow win at USM Alger in the CAF Champions League, as Sibusiso Vilakazi and Lebohang Maboe got rare starts alongside the returning Sphelele Mkhulise.
The Brazilians got off to a dream start as Vilakazi slotted home the opener in the fifth minute after being teed up by Hlompho Kekana.
The hosts almost found the equaliser in the 18th minute after Bonginkosi Ntuli sent Siyethemba Sithebe through at the near post but the latter's thumping strike was parried over the bar by Sundowns shot-stopper Denis Onyango.
Mosimane's men had a chance to double their lead six minutes later with a free-kick from the edge of the box but Tebogo Langerman's goal-bound curler was tipped over the bar by Boshoff before the young shot-stopper pulled off another massive save in the to deny Wayne Arendse's free header from close range.
Sundowns eventually got the second goal on the stroke of half-time thanks to Themba Zwane, who tapped into an empty net after Mkhulise did all the hard work of beating Boshoff in a one-on-one situation from Kekana's through ball.
The visitors were fired up for more goals after from the break as Kekana rattled the woodwork four minutes into the second stanza with a cracking strike from just outside the box.
However, the Brazilians were awarded a penalty three minutes later after Mabiliso brough down Vilakazi inside the box, which allowed Zwane to step up and send Boshoff the wrong to extend the lead.
Mosimane then made his first change in the 66th minute in attack as Keletso Makgalwa came on for Maboe, while Kekana made way for Tiyani Mabunda for the final 15 minutes.
Sundowns managed to see out the closing stages to move within four points of Chiefs while AmaZulu dropped to 13th after the defeat.
AmaZulu: 43. Boshoff, 33. Darpoh, 29. Mabiliso, 27. Xoki, 18. Booysen, 34. Maduna, 50. Vilakazi, 10. Sithebe, 19. Chawapihwa, 6. Ncube, 7. Ntuli.
Subs: 16. Jospehs, 4. Morton, 17. M.Gumede, 39. Masilela, 26. Magaqa, 13. Ngubane, 20. Majoro.
Sundowns: 14. Onyango, 27. Morena, 4. Langerman, 2. Madisha, 6. Arendse, 15. Jali, 8. Kekana, 18. Zwane, 21. Mkhulise, 11. Vilakazi, 33. Maboe.
Subs: 30. Pieterse, 29. Soumahoro, 13. Mabunda, 25. Ngoma, 7. Lakay, 16. Ngcongca, 26. Makgalwa.
