Absa Premiership weekend wrap: Sundowns open four-point lead

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Apr 09, 2018. 10:30

The weekend’s Absa Premiership action saw Mamelodi Sundowns open up a four-point lead at the top of the log after they defeated Baroka FC 2-1 away on Sunday, putting the pressure on Orlando Pirates to respond when they play in midweek.

The Brazilians came from a goal down to claim victory in Polokwane thanks to strikes from Wayne Arendse and Percy Tau, who continues to spearhead their chase for championship glory. Also on Sunday, two late goals saw Bloemfontein Celtic and AmaZulu draw 1-1 at Dr Molemela Stadium.

Saturday’s headline result was undoubtedly the 3-0 loss suffered by Kaizer Chiefs at home to Chippa United. Thabo Rakhale, Mxolisi Machupu and Edward Manqele all netted as the Amakhosi endured a terrible day, with ever louder calls for the head of coach Steve Komphela after his team effectively fell out of title contention.

The other afternoon game saw Golden Arrows fight back from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Free State Stars, while the evening matches featured a 2-0 win for Platinum Stars over Polokwane City and a 1-1 draw between Maritzburg United and Cape Town City. Dikwena’s victory was their first in the league in 2018 and although they remain bottom of the standings, they have given their survival hopes a major boost.

The Absa Premiership will continue by completing round 26 with two matches in midweek: Ajax Cape Town v Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United v Orlando Pirates.


Absa Premiership weekend results


Saturday, April 7

Kaizer Chiefs 0-3 Chippa United

Golden Arrows 1-1 Free State Stars

Platinum Stars 2-0 Polokwane City

Maritzburg United 1-1 Cape Town City


Sunday, April 8

Bloemfontein Celtic 1-1 AmaZulu

Baroka FC 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns