Downs beat Chippa to go 17 points clear
Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways in the DStv Premiership when they defeated Chippa United 2-0 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Monday night.
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The victory saw Masandawana open a 17-point lead at the top of the league standings, while the Chilli Boys remained 12th on the log - three points above the relegation zone.
The Brazilians started brightly as they took hold of possession in the Chilli Boys' half with the reigning DStv Premiership champions searching for the opening goal of the encounter.
With pressure mounting on his side, Siphesihle Mkhize made a reckless challenge on Thabiso Kutumela in the 24th minute and he was sent off as Chippa were reduced to 10 players.
Sundowns then upped the tempo with goalkeeper Ismail Watenga forced to deny Peter Shalulile from close range, before Sandile Mthethwa made a goal-line clearance from Rushine De Reuck's header.
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However, Sundowns did take a 1-0 lead heading into the half-time break as Andile Jali netted with a deflected shot to hand the Tshwane giants a well-deserved lead in the 44th minute.
De Reuck, who had scored as Sundowns defeated Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup on Friday, was denied by Watenga at the near post after the restart as he looked to put his name on the score sheet.
It was end-to-end stuff in the closing stages of the game as Watenga produced a double save to deny Gaston Sirino and Shalulile, while Bienvenu Eva Nga was superbly denied Eva Nga at the other end.
Chippa should have leveled matters when Riaan Hanamub broke down the left flank before delivering a pinpoint cross for Siphelele Luthuli, who was fantastically denied by Mweene from close range.
This served as a wake-up call for the hosts and substitute Teboho Mokoena sealed a 2-0 win over Chippa with a wonderful long-range shot in the 87th minute as he netted his first goal for Masandawana.
Sundowns (1) 2 (Jali 43', Mokoena 88’)
Chippa (0) 0
SUNDOWNS: Mweene, Coetzee, De Reuck, B. Onyango, Morena (Mudau 85'), Jali (Mokoena 68'), Modiba, Ralani (Sirino 68'), Kutumela (Motupa 69'), Zwane (Mvala 88'), Shalulile.
CHIPPA UNITED: Watenga, Mthethwa, Pietersen, Zulu, Hanamub, Sangare (Seabi 72'), Mkhize, Luthuli, Mdlinzo, Lebitso (Mokhele 72'), Eva Nga.