Cape Town City move to top spot
PREMIERSHIP: COMFORTABLE WIN OVER SUNDOWNS
Tinkler’s side complete double over Pitso’s Brazilians.
Lebogang Manyama inspired Cape Town City to a 1-0 victory over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns last night at Athlone Stadium to move the Citizens to the top of the Absa Premiership.
Manyama’s well-taken strike, beating Wayne Sandilands in the Sundowns goal, came in the 57th minute and was the City captain’s 12th goal in all competitions of a sensational season so far for him and his side.
City’s lead at the top may only be for a few hours as SuperSport United will climb back to the summit if they win at home to Ajax Cape Town this evening, but this was an excellent victory for Eric Tinkler’s side, completing a league double over Pitso Mosimane’s Brazilians.
Masandawana were lucky not to concede a goal in the opening minute of the game after Lehlohonolo Majoro made a smart move into the box, but his attempt couldn’t find the target.
Sundowns made most of the play, but City were dangerous on the counter attack and Majoro received another pass down the right flank, but this time struck his shot straight at Sandilands.
Eric Tinkler employed a threeman central midfield which proved to make life difficult for Mosimane’s men in the middle of the park, especially as they were without their influential captain Hlompho Kekana, who was serving a suspension.
In the 20th minute, City caught Downs on another counter attack with Anele Ngcongca standing no chance against the pacey Manyama, who then squared it to Thato Mokeke, but the forward could only find the side netting.
Four minutes later, Manyama against set up Mokeke, but the 26-year-old was undecided on whether to test Sandilands or play a pass to Majoro and the ball was cleared out for a corner.
City were almost punished three minutes after taking the lead asr Shuaib Walters fluffed his lines in the box, but veteran defender Robyn Johannes had his back as he cleared a goal-bound Anthony Laffor strike off the line.
Elsewhere, Bidvest Wits kept their title aspirations on track thanks to goals by Thulani Hlatshwayo, Buhle Mkhwanazi and Xolani Mlambo, brushing off Bloemfontein Celtic 3-1, while Chippa United lost 2-1 away to Platinum Stars.