Mamelodi Sundowns continued their quest for a record extending eighth consecutive PSL title with a commanding 4-2 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening, extending their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership to a staggering 15 points.
This comprehensive win, Sundowns’ 17th in 19 league matches this season, was courtesy of goals from Thapelo Morena, Lucas Suarez, Lucas Ribeiro, and Arthur Sales. Despite Sundowns’ remarkable form, second-placed Orlando Pirates remain their closest challengers and still have at least four games in hand.
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For Sekhukhune United, the loss was disappointing, marking their sixth league defeat of the season. However, despite the setback, Babina Noko remain in third place on the league table, still in contention for a top-four finish.
Sundowns began the match strongly and took the lead in the 16th minute. Thapelo Morena, positioned in the box, was found with a brilliant diagonal pass from Jayden Adams. Morena controlled the ball with his chest before calmly placing it past goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare for a 1-0 lead.
While Sundowns looked to be in control, they conceded a preventable equalizer in the 35th minute. Shaune Mogaila delivered an excellent cross from the right, but goalkeeper Jody February fumbled it, allowing Katlego Otladisa to score with his left foot and level the score at 1-1.
Just minutes later, Sundowns nearly regained the lead. Iqraam Rayners met a corner kick with a header, but Sangare made a superb save, pushing the ball over the bar.
However, Sekhukhune failed to learn from that close call. Another corner came a minute later, and Sangare mishandled the ball again, leaving Lucas Suarez to head into an empty net and give Sundowns a 2-1 advantage.
The second half saw Sundowns extend their lead within just 10 minutes. A defensive lapse allowed Rayners to get in on goal, but he was fouled and collided with Sangare. The ball fell to Lucas Ribeiro, who slotted it home easily, putting the Brazilians 3-1 ahead and effectively sealing the result.
Arthur Sales, who had just come on as a substitute, added a fourth goal in the 66th minute. He capitalized on space outside the box, spinning to fire a low shot with his left foot that found the bottom corner for a 4-1 lead.
Sekhukhune pulled a goal back in the 70th minute, making it 4-2. Former Sundowns player Keletso Makgalwa capitalized on a poor defensive header, slamming a low shot past February to reduce the deficit.
With the game under control, Sundowns managed the final minutes comfortably, conserving energy for their upcoming clash with Kaizer Chiefs this weekend at Lucas Moripe Stadium. Kick off in Atteridgeville is set for 15:30 on Saturday, 01 March 2025.
Sekhukhune, on the other hand, will aim to bounce back when they face Milford FC in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 the following day.