Sundowns edge Chippa to set PSL record

by Staff Reporter

Monday Apr 12, 2021. 19:17

Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Chippa United 2-1 in the DStv Premiership match which was played at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Monday afternoon.

As a result, Masandawana set a new league record as they are now undefeated in 20 matches and they are also leading the league table by six points, while Chilli Boys remained 15th on the standings.

DStv Premiership League Table

Masandawana controlled the match from the first whistle and they fired the first warning through Peter Shalulile just four minutes into the encounter.

Themba Zwane set-up Shalulile, who turned well and before unleashing a thunderous shot that hit the crossbar after Chippa goalkeeper Ismail Watenga had blocked the ball.

The visitors continued to probe for the opening goal and they were awarded a penalty after Aubrey Modiba was fouled in the box by Riaan Hanamub in the 15th minute.

Zwane made no mistake from the penalty spot as he beat Uganda international Watenga, who was making his debut in DStv Premiership, to hand Sundowns a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

The Chilli Boys had to find a way to level matters and they were awarded a free-kick in a promising area in the 36th minute and Hanamub forced Sundowns keeper Denis Onyango into a comfortable save.

Chippa interim coach Siyabulela Gwambi decided to introduce former Sundowns winger Luyolo Nomandela, who made his official debut for the Chilli Boys just before half-time.

Both teams started the second-half brightly with Shalulile sending Zwane through on goal, but somehow the Bafana Bafana international hit the outside of the upright with only Watenga to beat.

Almost immediately at the other end, Gregory Damos played a through pass for Augustine Chidi Kwem, who beat Onyango with a low shot to make it 1-1 in the 49th minute.

The goal gave the Chilli Boys some confidence to push forward in numbers and Kwem tried to grab his brace on the hour-mark when he unleashed a low shot which was easily saved by Onyango.

The Sundowns technical team decided to make a tactical change as they pulled out left-back Lyle Lakay and they introduced attacker Lesedi Kapinga.

The visitors managed to restore their lead when Shalulile headed home from close range with 16 minutes left to make it 2-1 to Sundowns after the hosts had failed to clear Modiba’s cross.

Masandawana looked to extend their lead in the closing processings as Shalulile hit the upright with Watenga rooted to the ground and ultimately, the match ended in a 2-1 win in favour of Sundowns.

Chippa (0) 1 (Chidi Kwem 49′)

Sundowns (1) 2 (Zwane 16′, Shalulile 74′)

Chippa: Watenga, Nhlapo (Mokhele 87′), Hanamub, Konqobe, Mthethwa, Nsabimuyva, Damons (Laffor 70′), Lentjies, Mdlinzo (Nomandela 42′, Eva Nga 87′), Lebitso, Kwem.

Sundowns: Onyango, De Reuck, Lebusa, Lakay (Kapinga 66′), Coetzee, Morena, Modiba, Maboe, Mkhulise, Zwane (Mvala 90′) Shalulile.