‘Downs drop further points as title race hots up

Thapelo Morena of Mamelodi Sundowns challenged by Mthokozisi Dube of Golden Arrows during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, on 28 April 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Apr 28, 2021. 19:57

The title race in South Africa’s DStv Premiership is no longer a one-horse race, with leaders Mamelodi Sundowns seeing their lead further reduced on a Wednesday which featured five matches across the country.

Second-placed AmaZulu crushed Cape Town City 5-1 away from home in the pick of the games, with the Durban side extending their unbeaten run to 15 matches and closing to within a point of ‘Downs at the top of the log thanks to goals from Augustine Mulenga, Thapelo Xoki, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Luvoyo Memela and Siyethemba Sithebe.

The Brazilians, meanwhile, could only draw 0-0 at home to Golden Arrows in a concurrent match. The result at Loftus Versfeld Stadium means the champions have now gone three league outings without a win and only hold a one-point lead over AmaZulu.

‘Downs still have two games in hand over their nearest chasers, but the Durban side could leapfrog them this weekend if they win their derby match on Saturday against Abafana Bes’thende (who remained third with this stalemate in Tshwane).

Wednesday also featured strugglers Chippa United and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila claiming priceless wins to boost their survival hopes. The Chilli Boys stunned Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at FNB Stadium thanks to a late strike from Bienvenu Eva Nga, while Vhadau Vha Damani edged Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 in Polokwane thanks to a goal from Joseph Molangoane.

The loss for Chiefs has seen them drop out of the top eight, with TS Galaxy claiming their spot thanks to a 1-0 win away to Baroka FC. The Rockets snapped a four-game losing streak courtesy of a second-half strike from Ebrahim Seedat.

The DStv Premiership will continue with a full round of fixtures this coming weekend, 30 April to 2 May, headlined by a heavyweight clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

DStv Premiership results, Wednesday 28 April

Tshakhuma TM 1-0 Bloemfontein Celtic

Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 Chippa United

Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Golden Arrows

Cape Town City 1-5 AmaZulu

Baroka FC 0-1 TS Galaxy