Mamelodi Sundowns secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, drawing level with Orlando Pirates at the summit of the Betway Premiership standings.
The defending champions opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through an unfortunate own goal by Sekhukhune defender Tresor Tshibwabwa.
Attempting to clear Aubrey Modiba’s low cross from the left, Tshibwabwa inadvertently redirected the ball into his net.
Sekhukhune showed attacking promise in the first half, with Keletso Makgalwa testing Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who pulled off a vital save to keep his side ahead.
In the second half, Sundowns extended their lead from the penalty spot. Goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare was judged to have fouled Iqraam Rayners in the box, despite replays suggesting minimal contact.
Brazilian forward Arthur Sales calmly converted the resulting penalty, marking his first goal for Masandawana and giving them a comfortable two-goal advantage.
Sekhukhune sought a way back into the game, but Williams once again came to Sundowns’ rescue, denying a powerful effort from Vuyo Letlapa that seemed destined for the net.
Rayners then capped off the victory in style in the 89th minute. The forward displayed excellent composure just inside the penalty area, curling a precise shot into the top corner to seal the result.
The win lifts Sundowns to 21 points, level with Pirates, although the Soweto giants can regain their outright lead with a result against Stellenbosch on Sunday.
For Sundowns, the performance reaffirmed their dominance as defending champions, while Sekhukhune will rue missed chances and errors in a game where they showed glimpses of promise.
