Leaders Sundowns edge past Sekhukhune

Mamelodi Sundowns beat Sekhukhune United 2-0 at ABSA Tuks Stadium on Saturday to extend their unbeaten run in the 2021/22 DStv Premiership season.

Goals from Neo Maema and Themba Zwane either side of the break navigated the Brazilians back to winning ways in rainy conditions. Victory moved the league leaders and defending champions nine points clear at the top, while Sekhukhune remained in third place following the result.

Maema and Peter Shalulile combined for the umpteenth time this season in the 21st minute of the match to open the scoring for the hosts. Shalulile, who has profited from Maema's run of form, turned provider this time around as he steered the ball into the midfielder's path who then finished with aplomb.

The hosts dominated the remainder of the half, racking up close to 400 passes while Denis Onyango remained a mere spectator.

The Brazilains were awarded a golden chance to double their lead before the hour mark when Nyiko Mobbie was adjudged to have handled the ball insde the area, although replays suggested that it hit his chest and not his arm. Nevertheless, Zwane stepped up and made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Sekhukhune improved after this and Cheslyn Jampies forced Onyango into a good save with a powerful drive from range in the 77th minute.

Onyango was then sent off with four minute of regulation time remaining following a cynical foul on Tshediso Patjie after Mosa Lebusa had coughed up possession.

This forced Sundowns into a change and Kennedy Mweene had to be alert to keep out Jampies from the resulting free-kick. Sundowns successfully saw out the remainder of the fixture to walk away with all three points.

Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 2 (Maema 21' Zwane pen. 59')
Sekhukhune United (0) 0

Mamelodi Sundowns: D.Onyango; Lakay, Lebusa, Kekana, Mudau, Jali, Domingo (Mweene 90'), Maema (Erasmus 62'), Zwane, Shalulile, Safranko (Coetzee 90').

Sekhukhune United: Nsabata; Jampies, Motsepe, Gyimah, Mobbie, De Jongh (Mncube 46'), Leepile (Parusnath 73'), Maart, Mahlangu (Chawapihwa 88'), Madonsela (Patjie 46'), Ohizu (Nxumalo 60').