Sundowns’ sense of Khama

SOGGY AFFAIR: BILLIAT LEADS SUNDOWNS COMEBACK

Victory against Stars takes Pitso’s side up to fourth on 29 points with plenty of games in hand.

Mamelodi Sundowns continued to impress when they defeated Platinum Stars 2-1 in an Absa Premiership clash at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium last night. Sundowns led 1-0 at half-time. Fresh from being crowned African Super Cup champions last weekend, Downs got into their stride very quickly. As early as the sixth minute, after some sweet interplay, Percy Tau was presented with an opportunity, but Stars goalkeeper Mbongeni Mzimela pulled off the save to deny the striker. But that proved to be just a temporary respite as Pitso Mosimane’s boys took the lead five minutes later when the in-form Themba Zwane scored.

Stars were under severe pressure as Sundowns continued to turn on the charm, with the chances piling up: Tau hit the upright, Bangaly Soumahoro had an opportunity blocked and Anthony Laffor scuffed an attempt. Stars were just barely hanging on with Khama Billiat’s effort cleared off the line and Anele Ngcongca steered a diving header wide of the target.

The score remained 1-0 at the break, though it could have been so much more if Sundowns had been able to convert.

But football is a sport where, if you don’t make use of your opportunities, chances are, you’ll pay the price. It proved to be the case for Sundowns too. Four minutes into the second half, Stars drew level when Sphamandla Mlilo headed in neatly.

The equalising goal galvanised the Rustenburg side. Finally, they found their groove, emulating their early form – and they were unfortunate not to score when Abia Nale drilled the ball into the side-netting. Developing into a real ding-dong battle, Downs’ Tau headed over the bar, while at the other end substitute Gift Links drew a great save from the Pretoria club’s keeper, Denis Onyango.

But Sundowns aren’t PSL and African champions for nothing and it was last season’s Player-ofthe-Season, Billiat, who popped up to net the winning goal in the 82nd minute. – ANA

Picture: Gallo Images SLIP AND SLIDE. Khama Billiat of Sundowns, left, and Platinum Stars’ Vuyo Mere go head to head during their Absa Premiership match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg last night.