Mamelodi Sundowns remain the top dogs of the DStv Premiership after their hard-fought, narrow 1-0 victory over foes Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.
Sundowns are now seven points ahead of second placed Golden Arrows with 21 points, while Pirates drop to number 11 with seven points.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro made a surprise change to his usual starting line-up, which saw midfielder Siphelo Baloni being handed his first start of the season.
Despite his convincing overall performance, his first taste of the DStv Premiership did not go as anticipated, as he conceded the penalty that helped Sundowns to stretch their lead at the top of the log standings.
The stakes were high for both sides, as Sundowns were on a mission to extend their winning streak to seven in the league while the Buccaneers were desperate to get back to winning ways.
As expected, the tempo of the game was at its highest in front of a fully packed and electric Orlando crowd.
In the 12th minute, the referee gave away a controversial penalty to the visitors, after captain Themba Zwane was brought down inside the box by Baloni, who slightly caught Zwane’s trailing leg.
Brazilian import Lucas Ribeiro stepped up to the task and made no mistake to find the back of the net.
Moments before half-time, there were loud shouts of a potential red card from the home supporters, when Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams lunged on striker Zakhele Lepasa – who seemed to be on his way to the goals.
Instead, Bucs assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi was shown a red card for descent, while Williams got a yellow card.
The Sea Robbers came back with more intent from the break, as they took the game to the Sundowns
Rulani Mokwena could sense the danger, as he made three substitutions, which saw Peter Shalulile, Ribeiro and Sipho Mbule all make way for Thapelo Maseko, Thapelo Morena and Junior Mendieta.
It was wave after wave for Sundowns, as Riveiro’s charges kept on knocking on the door in search of an equaliser, but it was not enough as Masandawana claimed the bragging rights and walked away with all three points.
Sundowns will now quickly shift their focus to prepare against another Soweto giant Kaizer Chiefs, as they will be battling it out in the MTN8 semi-final second leg on Saturday.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
