Sundowns see off Chippa to move to brink of league title

Mamelodi Sundowns can all-but wrap up the Betway Premiership title this weekend after they cruised to a 3-0 win over Chippa United at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday evening. 

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Victory at home to Stellenbosch on Sunday will take Miguel Cardoso’s side to 67 points. Orlando Pirates can also reach 67 points if they win their last five matches. But Sundowns’ goal difference is so much better that the game will effectively be up. 

A matter of time for Sundowns

Even if they don’t win on Sunday, it is surely only a matter of time before a seemingly unstoppable Masandawana wrap up an eighth consecutive Premiership crown. 

Sundowns didn’t even play particularly well against the Chilli Boyz but two clinical finishes killed off this game by the 40th minute. 

A dull first 25 minutes saw Sundowns’ attacks limited by a well-organised Chippa. Iqraam Rayners tried an audacious lob from inside his own half, but the home side generally battled to get going. 

Sundowns were at least alert at the back, Mosa Lebusa doing well to clear a dangerous Chippa free kick in the 27th minute. 

And two minutes later, Sundowns were in front. Arthur Sales found Khuliso Mudau, who used his pace to get to the byline and cut the ball back for Rayners to smash into the roof of the net. 

It was the 29 year-old’s 12th league goal of the season and his third in as many matches. With teammate Lucas Ribeiro stuck in neutral, there is every chance Rayners will finish the season with the Golden Boot. 

Third time lucky

A bizarre set of circumstances led to Sundowns doubling their lead in the 40th minute. Sundowns won a free kick on the edge of the box, but Marcelo Allende was then booked for taking the free kick too quickly. 

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Allende then hit the retake straight into referee Cedric Muvhali. But it was third time lucky for Sundowns as Allende floated a cross into the area. Stanley Nwabali came to punch the ball away, but instead punched it straight into the ground. And Jayden Adams reacted quickest to steer the ball into the empty net. 

Allende’s booking means he is now suspended for Sunday’s game after accumulating four yellow cards.

Chippa, to their credit, pushed Sundowns back early in the second half, and threatened with a series of set pieces. Denis Onyango was then almost left with egg on his face in the 55th minute. Craig Martin blocked the Sundowns ‘keeper’s attempted clearance, but fired wide.

Sundowns put the seal on the win in the 81st minute. Substitute Thapelo Maseko, who has been out injured for much of the season, slotted in his first goal of the campaign, latching onto a fine pass from Sales.