|
PSL leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and second-placed Orlando Pirates both won on Wednesday to open up a sizeable lead over the chasing pack to suggest this season's championship is now a two-horse race. Percy Tau scored his 10th league goal of the season as Sundowns defeated Chippa United 2-0, with Khama Billiat adding a second 10 minutes from time. The match did not feature the slick, flowing football usually associated with both of these sides, but Sundowns were always on top and extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches. Pirates remain a point behind them, although they have played a game more, following a 2-1 victory over 10-man Bloemfontein Celtic. Zambian forward Augustine Mulenga scored his first goal for Pirates to claim the win, after former Celtic midfielder Musa Nyatama had put them ahead in the first half. Celtic found an equaliser early in the second period when on-loan Kaizer Chiefs defender Lorenzo Gordinho headed them level from a corner. Celtic had their chances to grab the lead after that, with former Pirates striker Ndumiso Mabena among the culprits, but they were reduced to 10 men when Gordinho was adjudged to have denied Pirates striker Thamsana Gabuza a clear scoring opportunity. Pirates made their numerical advantage count as Mulenga lashed home the ball from the edge of the box with 10 minutes remaining. Kaizer Chiefs moved into third in the league, seven points behind Sundowns, but having played a game more, when Zimbabwe defender Teenage Hadebe popped up with the winning goal four minutes into injury time. Chiefs were the better side and deserved the win, but looked as though they would have to settle for a draw before Hadebe nodded home Siphiwe Tshabalala's free-kick to seal the win. Cape Town City were stunned at home by relegation-threatened Lamontville Golden Arrows as Lerato Lamola scored the only goal of the game with a typically quick counter-attack from the visitors. City dominated possession and created numerous opportunities, but as has been their problem all season, failed to find the back of the net to leave their top-eight prospects now in doubt. Golden Arrows have now reached 30 points, but probably need one more win to be assured of safety. Bottom side Platinum Stars moved closer to the National First Division when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Baroka FC at home, while Polokwane City kept SuperSport United in the relegation mix with a precious 1-0 victory that was secured via Rodney Ramagalela's 11th league goal of the campaign.
|
