Sundowns have one hand on the PSL trophy
Should Pirates lose their upcoming game, Downs will be crowned champions.
Mamelodi Sundowns moved within touching distance of the Absa Premiership title after their narrow 1-0 win over Golden Arrows on Tuesday.
An early penalty from defender Ricardo Nascimento was enough to secure all three points for Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld.
Downs are now six points clear of closest rivals, Orlando Pirates, with three to go. The Pretoria club boasts a superior goal difference of 12 over Pirates, meaning one more win would seal the title.
Downs showed their dominance early on, but the Arrows defence held firm.
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Jabulani Shongwe of Arrows tripped Sibusiso Vilakazi from behind, but the referee dismissed the appeals for a penalty.
But the home team didn’t have to wait too long to earn a penalty though. Vilakazi, who was causing havoc in the Arrows defence, was again brought down. This time the referee pointed to the spot which Nascimento converted to give Pitso Mosimane’s men a lead in the 25th minute.
Downs continued to trouble Abafana Besthende, and they made their third appeal of the game when Percy Tau was brought down but the referee waved play on.
Though the Brazilians dominated play for much of the first half and the start of the second half, they failed to find that second goal, which would have made the bench breathe a bit easier.
In the 86th minute, the home side had the ball in the net but the referee disallowed the goal having adjudged the striker handled before slotting home.
Tuesday night’s win means the Pretoria giants are within touching distance of reclaiming the Absa Premiership but Pirates can still spoil the party – only if they win their remaining games and Downs fail to win any.
But the margins are tight for the Buccaneers, who should they lose their next game, Downs would be crowned champions without kicking the ball.
Sundowns next turn their attention on Maritzburg United, in the semifinal of the Nedbank Cup this Sunday.
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