Mamelodi Sundowns are now eighteen points clear at the top of South Africa's Betway Premiership following Masandawana's 2-0 home victory over AmaZulu on Tuesday.
Second half goals from Peter Shalulile and Arthur Sales completed a convincing win for the reigning champions who increased their lead due to Orlando Pirates' 0-0 draw at Stellenbosch.
Sundowns probed the AmaZulu defense before opening the scoring early in the second half through Shalulile, who pounced upon a rebound after Usuthu keeper Veli Mothwa saved his initial effort. The visitors posed little threat until Brazilian striker Sales, who came on at halftime, showed his class with a slick 87th minute finish after taking town a cross from compatriot Lucas Ribeiro.
Sundowns' victory was made even more significant after the league leaders learned of the result from the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town where Stellenbosch held Pirates to a 0-0 result. The hosts were limited on the attack after Kenyan defender Brian Onyango received a first half red card but the Bucs showed little progress in their attempts to break down the Stellies defense.
Orlando Pirates have been dealing with the constant pressure of making the most out of the games in hand they have on Sundowns and it is having a noticeable effect. The talented young squad of Pirates are consistently showing their potential but breaking down a stubborn Stellies defense was too tall a task and Pirates are now 18 points behind with four less matches played than Sundowns.
In the other two matches from Tuesday, Magesi FC continue to show the potential to survive in the top flight after Owen da Gama's side earned a 1-0 victory over fellow relegation candidates Richards Bay. TS Galaxy moved up to fourth place for the time being with an opportunistic 3-1 victory over SuperSport United.
Tuesday results
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 AmaZulu
Magesi 1-0 Richards Bay
Stellenbosch 0-0 Orlando Pirates
TS Galaxy 3-1 SuperSport United
League Table (Top-8)
GP | Points | |
Mamelodi Sundowns | 22 | 58 |
Orlando Pirates | 18 | 40 |
Stellenbosch | 20 | 32 |
TS Galaxy | 22 | 32 |
Sekhukhune United | 20 | 31 |
Polokwane City | 20 | 31 |
AmaZulu | 22 | 30 |
Kaizer Chiefs | 20 | 28 |
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