Mamelodi Sundowns secured their third win over Kaizer Chiefs this season with a 1-0 victory at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
In what started as a heated and high intensity fixture but devoid of any fluency, those who were in attendance in Atteridgeville were still entertained as two of the biggest clubs in South African football locked horns.
While the sight of the table contests the notion, the rivalry is still as strong as ever, with the fixture having been sold out within hours of going on sale last week.
Glody Lilepo was a constant threat for the visitors, who actually enjoyed the better chances of the opening half.
Mduduzi Shabalala went close to opening the scoring after being set up by Reeve Frosler inside the area, but his effort flew over Jody Febraury’s cross bar.
And they were made to pay as the half drew closer to the end when the league’s top scorer Lucas Ribeiro Costa opened the scoring with a piece of individual brilliance.
Iqraam Rayners beat the off-side trap and squared the ball into the area, for the Brazilian to use his first touch on his weaker foot to lift the ball and slam home a volley into the roof of Bruce Bvuma’s net.
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The second half proved a bit more cagey as the energy levels of both sides notably dropped and Sundowns looked to consolidate their lead with possession whilst looking to add to the score with patience, as they plucked at Chiefs.
The win for Sundowns moved them 18 clear of second placed Orlando Pirates, albeit having played five games more than the Soweto giants.
Meanwhile Chiefs dropped to eighth place with their eighth defeat in 19 games this season.
