Chiefs hope, Birds face axe
Mamelodi Sundowns .......... 0 Stellenbosch FC .................. 3
JOHANNESBURG – The race for CAF Champions League football and the battle to avoid relegation will go down to the wire after an eventful matchday yesterday afternoon.
Both Cape Town City and Royal AM endured frustrating afternoons after dropping points against AmaZulu and Golden Arrows respectively, giving Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates hope.
Stellenbosch were one of the big winners after thrashing newly crowned champions Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 and remain in contention for a thirdplace finish.
The other big winner yesterday was relegation-threatened Baroka FC who secured a 3-1 win over SuperSport United to move level on points with 15th -placed Swalllows, who were held by Chippa United.
Both Pirates and Maritzburg United still have two games to play, which will undoubtedly affect the continental places and the relegation play-off issue.
Cape Town City missed the chance to strengthen their grip on second spot after being to a goalless draw by AmaZulu at the DHL Stadium.
The result leaves Eric Tinkler’s side in second spot ahead of next week’s Western Cape derby against Stellenbosch.
AmaZulu, meanwhile, will finish in the top eight once again as they remain unbeaten under interim coach Brandon Truter.
Royal AM remain three points behind second-place Cape Town City after drawing 2-2 with KwaZulu-Natal rivals Golden Arrows.
BAGGED HIS SECOND GOAL
The visitors raced into the lead Mfundo Thikazi bagged his second goal of the season, but they were pegged back by Pule Mmodi’s equaliser on 18 minutes.
Mogaila restored Royal AM’s advantage in the 33rd minute, before Nduduzo Sibiya brought Arrows back on level terms for a second time from the penalty spot five minutes later.
Despite failing to secure maximum points, Royal AM still have two games to play compared to City’s one.
Baroka ensured the relegation battle will be decided on the final day after defeating SuperSport United 3-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Limpopo outfit, who were desperate for three points, took the lead after 25 minutes when Bonginkosi Makume converted a penalty for his second goal of the campaign.
Baroka were awarded a second penalty five minutes later, with Makume making no mistake from the spot to double their advantage.
Evidence Makgopa added a third goal for the hosts on 75 minutes, while Aubrey Ngoma’s strike six minutes later proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
Swallows FC did themselves no favours after being held to a goalless draw against Chippa United in their final home game of the season.
Dylan Kerr’s remain above 16th spot only due to their goal difference, but they will just need to better Baroka’s result next weekend when they face Kaizer Chiefs.
TS Galaxy have been dragged into the relegation battle after failing to secure maximum points against Marumo Gallants. The result sees the Rockets remain in 14th position, two points above Swallows and Baroka while Gallants’ hopes of finishing in the top eight were officially ended.