Mamelodi Sundowns move level with Orlando Pirates after Milford win

Mamelodi Sundowns moved level on points with Betway Premiership leaders Orlando Pirates after beating newly promoted Milford FC 2-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday night.

Iqraam Rayners scored in first-half stoppage time before Antonio van Wyk added a second with 15 minutes remaining to secure victory for the unbeaten hosts. The result also gave Mamelodi Sundowns their second clean sheet of the season.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes following the weekend’s MTN8 action, bringing Rayners, Bennett Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas and Van Wyk back into the starting XI.

Milford arrived hoping to avoid the fate suffered by fellow newly promoted club Kruger United, who were beaten 4-0 by Orlando Pirates on Tuesday. Dr. Xanti Pupuma’s side showed early ambition rather than sitting deep, and competed well during the opening 15 minutes.

Mamelodi Sundowns struggled to create clear opportunities in the first half and were forced to remain patient. Bennett Mokoena came closest for the home side when his long-range effort flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Milford almost produced a surprise shortly before the interval. With five minutes remaining in the first half, Thabang Mabena ran on to an excellent pass over the defence and entered the penalty area. The Milford forward was denied by a superb save from Ronwen Williams, who blocked the effort with his face.

The visitors’ encouraging work was undone in the second minute of added time. Aubrey Modiba won possession near the byline and delivered for Rayners, whose initial first-time attempt was saved. The striker reacted quickest to the rebound and fired into the net to put the hosts ahead.

Mamelodi Sundowns were dealt another setback 10 minutes into the second half when right-back Zuko Mdunyelwa had to leave the field. His injury adds to the hosts’ defensive concerns after Khuliso Mudau was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Milford found it increasingly difficult to maintain the intensity they had shown before the break. Fatigue appeared to set in, and several fouls were committed in midfield, with substitute Teboho Mokoena appearing to feel the impact of more than one challenge.

The home side finally established a decisive advantage in the 75th minute. Modiba again played the key role, this time sending Van Wyk through. Van Wyk kept his composure to finish first time and register his first league goal of the campaign.

The closing stages became increasingly scrappy, with Milford making a number of late challenges. Cebolenkosi Mthethwa was fortunate to escape a red card after catching Marcelo Allende in the face with his elbow.

Mamelodi Sundowns nevertheless managed the final stages effectively to claim the points and remain unbeaten. Their next three Betway Premiership fixtures are away to Golden Arrows, at home to Siwelele FC and away to Chippa United.

Milford FC will next travel to Chippa United before hosting Richards Bay and Durban City in their following two league matches.