Sundowns pile more misery on Chippa
PSL leaders stamp authority against a stubborn Chilli Boys in 2-1 victory
Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways after they beat troubled Eastern Cape side Chippa United in a league match yesterday afternoon.
Sundowns went into the game on the back foot after the unexpected 0-2 defeat to CR Belouizdad in the Caf Champions League at Loftus on Friday ended their 28match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Chippa, who have troubles of their own, were expected to take advantage of the situation but Sundowns were able to recover in time and delivered a 2-1 win which will have sent a message to their rivals in the domestic league.
Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena claimed on the eve of the match that they were reeling after the Belouizdad defeat, but based on their performance at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, he may have exaggerated their distress.
The Pretoria side made their intentions clear when Themba Zwane fired the visitors into the lead from the penalty spot in the 16th minute.
The referee ruled that Riaan Hanamub had fouled Aubrey Modiba in the area and referee Philangekosi Khumalo pointed to the penalty spot to punish the home side for their troubles.
Zwane stepped up to the plate and beat Ugandan goalkeeper Ismail Watenga from the spot.
The home side were always chasing after that setback and were rewarded when Augustine Kwem equalised for the hosts early in the second period. Kwem perfectly timed his run in between the Sundowns defenders and after receiving the ball delivered his shot past outstretched Sundowns goalie Denis Onyango to bring the Eastern Cape side level in the 49th minute.
The goal gave Chippa a confident boost and they began to make forays into the Downs area and when they could not trek back in time, the visitors found Watenga in inspired form.
Watenga was the reason that the final score was respectable. He made a series of saves that will have given his boss Siviwe Mpengesi hopes of escaping the relegation guillotine.
Sundowns continued to press and were rewarded when Peter Shalulile gave them the lead in the 74th minute.
The visitors’ coach Manqoba Mngqithi said Chippa would trouble many sides in the coming weeks, especially at home, and that the Brazilians were happy to get away with all the points.
Chippa coach Siyabulela Gwambi said they were unlucky to lose the match.
“I think we executed our plan very well,” he said.
“We knew that they would look for wide spaces, overloading on one side and in some instances look at pushing their wingbacks forward.
“So our approach was to tell our wingers not to go forward, and wait for them to start committing.”
Chippa face Pretoria Callies in the Nedbank Cup semifinals on Saturday while their next DStv Premiership fixture is against Baroka on April 20.