Mamelodi Sundowns reclaimed top spot in the Betway Premiership with a commanding 4-1 victory over Chippa United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday evening, reigniting what is shaping up to be a thrilling title race.
The Brazilians set the tone early, with Allende opening the scoring in the 21st minute before Rayners doubled the lead in the 37th minute. Chippa responded just two minutes later through Kwayiba, giving the visitors a lifeline heading into the break.
Sundowns, however, maintained control in the second half and sealed the result with late goals from Matthews in the 85th minute and León deep into stoppage time.
Reacting after the match, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents despite the convincing scoreline.
it wasn’t an easy match. There’s no PSL matches that are easy,” said Cardoso. “The message was well communicated at halftime about how we needed to commit in the game. The goal that we suffered today was a mistake.”
Cardoso added that his focus remains firmly on domestic duties.
“At the moment I don’t really think about the Champions League but about the next game in Durban. It’s important that we always score one more than the opponent.”
On the opposing bench, Vusimuzi Vilakazi highlighted defensive issues as a major concern for Chippa United.
“I think we suffered from our defensive structure. It needs us to be detailed,” Vilakazi said. “It’s a game where you just need to take the positives and look to the next game as we are playing against Siwelele very soon.”
Both coaches were speaking to Thato Moeng on SuperSport TV after the match.
Masandawana will next face Durban City on Tuesday at the Chatsworth Stadium, while the Chilli Boys will host Siwelele FC at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The victory sees Sundowns move back to the top of the standings, now holding a narrow two-point lead over Orlando Pirates. With the gap tightening, the race for the Premiership crown is intensifying as the season approaches its decisive stages.
Image By: Mazilitha