Sundowns edge Kaizer Chiefs to extend Betway Prem dominance
Mamelodi Sundowns continued their dominant Betway Premiership run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in front of a sold-out Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A crucial goal from the leading PSL goal scorer Lucas Ribeiro Costa on the brink of halftime proved decisive, extending Masandawana’s unbeaten streak and bringing them one step closer to securing the league title.
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The match began at a measured pace, with both teams gradually settling in and creating few clear-cut opportunities in the early stages. Kaizer Chiefs’ Lilepo was particularly lively, making a dangerous run down the right flank, but his squared pass was intercepted by a pressured February. Sundowns responded moments later with a close call, as a ball flashed across the face of the Chiefs’ goal.
Amakhosi grew into the game and had a promising chance when Mduduzi Tshabalala fired over the bar following a well-worked cutback from Reeve Frosler. Their attacking momentum was briefly disrupted in the 22nd minute when Morris was forced off due to injury, making way for Ashley Du Preez. Chiefs continued to threaten, with Pule Mmodi firing wide and Tshabalala ruled for offside play.
However, it was Sundowns who found the breakthrough just before halftime. A loose ball inside the box fell kindly to Ribeiro, who unleashed a powerful volley into the net, giving Masandawana a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
DOMINA NT RUN BY MAMELODI SUNDOWNS CONTINUES AS THEY BEAT RIVALS KAIZER CHIEFS
Kaizer Chiefs came out in the second half determined to find an equalizer. Tshabalala nearly pulled them level with an audacious chip attempt that was well-handled by February. Sundowns, however, remained dangerous on the counter, with Ribeiro attempting to slip a pass through for Peter Shalulile, only for the ball to elude the striker. Bruce Bvuma was then called into action, making a crucial double save to deny Sundowns from extending their lead.
Amakhosi continued to push forward, with Mmodi and Tshabalala both coming close but failing to convert their chances. At the other end, Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners combined well, with Ribeiro curling a shot just wide before setting up Rayners for a long-range effort that sailed over the bar.
Desperate for an equalizer, Chiefs made a triple substitution in the 79th minute, introducing Mfundo Vilakazi for Tshabalala, Njabulo Blom for Thabo Cele, and Dillan Solomons for Reeve Frosler. Their best chance came shortly after, when Du Preez rose to meet a cross but sent his header inches wide of goal.
Despite Chiefs’ late pressure, Sundowns held firm to claim all three points, extending their dominance in the league and edging closer to possibly another championship triumph.
