Downs in command as they swat Maritzburg aside

MAMELODI Sundowns opened up a four-point lead at the top of the Premiership standings after a 2-0 win over a highly competitive Maritzburg United side at Loftus yesterday.

Sundowns led 1-0 at half-time but on numerous occasions in the first half, Maritzburg looked the more likely to score but they failed to convert their opportunities.

Sundowns served early notice of their attacking threat and had the ball in the net in the fifth minute, but the effort was ruled offside.

In the 16th minute, Sundowns were foiled by the woodwork twice in quick succession. Ace striker Peter Shalulile produced both efforts via a low drive and a header from a corner.

Once Maritzburg absorbed the pressure without conceding a goal, they produced several assertive passages of play with striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane proving a handful for Sundowns' shaky defence and came close to scoring on two occasions.

Brazilian Ricardo Nascimento claimed the first goal of the match in the 37th minute, somewhat against the run of play. He scored from the penalty spot after referee Abongile Tom penalised Maritzburg midfielder Clayton Daniels for a foul on Gift Motupa.

Motupa scored the second for the defending league champions with an angled low drive past German goalkeeper Marcel Engelhardt in the Maritzburg goal.

Sundowns look to be well on their way to a fourth successive league title. They play TS Galaxy on Sunday at Mbombela Stadium.

Maritzburg host KwaZulu-Natal rivals Golden Arrows at Harry Gwala Stadium next Wednesday.