Downs tighten their title grip
EASY: BRAZILIANS IN CRUISE CONTROL AGAINST UNITED
Mamelodi Sundowns tightened their grip on the DStv Premiership crown yesterday with a 2-0 win over Maritzburg United at Loftus Versveld.
AmaZulu and head coach Benni McCarthy were hoping that their neighbours would do them a favour against Mamelodi Sundowns, as Usuthu are showing great intent to dethrone Downs, who have been enjoying supremacy in the league for the past three seasons, and are on course for a fourth straight title.
Instead, the result against Maritzburg gives Masandawana some breathing space, opening a four-point gap over Usuthu and they still have the advantage of a game in hand.
Talisman Themba Zwane had to be substituted as early as the 12th minute when he picked up a knock and was replaced by youngster Promise Mkhuma.
Zwane’s injury did not appear to be a concerning one, given that he did not need a stretcher to be taken off the field – he walked off to the stands without a lot of visible discomfort.
Before Ricardo Nascimento scored from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, Downs could have already gone two goals up when Peter Shalulile struck the woodwork twice.
The first was when he was played onside by a misdirected header by a Maritzburg defender and the alert forward beat goalkeeper Marcel Engelhardt but could only find the upright.
The rebound fell to Mkhuma, who took too long before releasing his shot, allowing Engelhardt to position himself to block for a corner.
Aubrey Modiba stood over the set-piece and found Shalulile in
the box, who connected with a header, directing his effort onto the crossbar.
Downs continued to dominate proceedings and in the 38th minute, veteran defender Clayton Daniels could not deal with the pace of Gift Motupa and he held on to him before tripping him in the box, leaving referee Abongile Tom with no choice but to point
to the spot and as Nascimento expertly netted his second penalty of the season.
After much huffing and puffing in front of goal, Motupa eventually found his maiden goal in the colours of the Brazilians, scoring in the 72nd minute to make sure that Ernst Middendorp and his team return to KwaZulu-Natal empty-handed.