Shalulile does the trick for Sundowns

MAMELODI Sundowns returned to winning ways but made heavy weather of their 2-1 win over lowly Chippa United in their Premiership clash at Sisa Dukashe Stadium yesterday.

Three days ago, Sundowns suffered a rare defeat when they were beaten 2-0 by Algerian visitors CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League group stage. The loss snapped Sundowns’ 28-match unbeaten streak, which included 20 wins and eight draws.

Yesterday’s result allowed league leaders and three-time defending champions Sundowns to move six points clear of second-placed AmaZulu, who have 40 points after 22 games. Sundowns are on 46 points after 20 matches.

Chippa remained near the bottom of the standings, but three points adrift of basement dwellers Black Leopards.

Sundowns imposed their dominance right from the get-go, and their first scoring chance emerged in the fourth minute after fine inter-play by strikers Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane.

In the ensuing minutes, Chippa's debutant goalkeeper Ismail Watenga of Uganda denied Sundowns twice in quick succession. However, the breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Zwane converted from the penalty spot after Chippa’s Namibian international Riaan Hanamub fouled striker Aubrey

Modiba in the penalty area, and referee Philangenkosi Khumalo had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Four minutes into the second half, Chippa stunned Sundowns by scoring the equaliser after excellent work by midfielder Gregory Damons. He laid on a defence-splitting pass to Nigerian striker Augustine Kwem, whose angled drive flew past Sundowns keeper Denis Onyango.

Sundowns’ response came in the 74th minute when Shalulile scored with a header after the ball bounced off the crossbar.