Mamelodi Sundowns walked away 1-0 winners over Cape Town Spurs in a tight affair on Tuesday evening
It was a battle between top and bottom as Spurs hosted Sundowns in a DStv Premiership clash at a cold and wet Athlone Stadium.
Not many would’ve bet on Ernst Middendorp’s team to get anything from this game, especially after Rulani Mokwena named virtually a first-choice Sundowns XI, having previously rotated the squad when they were involved with CAF fixtures this year.
But it was the Spurs team who caused the first problems, as the tricky Asanele Velebayi showed some neat footwork before forcing a save from Ronwen Williams at the near post in the seventh minute. A minute later Luke Baartman fired wide with an ambitious attempt.
Themba Zwane tried from range with a well-struck effort in the 13th minute, but it was straight at Neil Boshoff who saved comfortably. With the rain coming down Boshoff was called into action a minute later to punch away a dangerous Terrence Mashego’s cross.
Teboho Mokoena’s 15th-minute attempt flew over the goal, but the momentum was beginning to shift in Sundowns’ favour and a goalmouth scramble was cleared moments later as the Brazilians piled on the pressure.
Sundowns had an excellent chance in the 25th minute, but Neo Maema shot across goal and wide when it looked easier to score than miss. Moments later Ashley Cupido had a rare chance for Spurs, but his first time volley failed to threaten Williams goal.
Sundowns were awarded a penalty in the 40th minute, after Velebayi lost control and brought down Peter Shalulile on the edge of the area, the naked eye suggesting the foul may have been just outside the box.
Lucas Ribeiro stepped up and made no mistake to score his 11th of the season to make it 1-0 to Sundowns.
With the rain continuing to fall, the second half started with Sundowns once again taking control of the possession, and a few half-chances went a-begging.
Cupido had a great chance after a good set up from Katlego Maphathe in the 65th minute, but with the goal beckoning, some excellent last-ditch defending deflected his shot behind
A few minutes later Cupido was livid after being brought down in the box, but the referee was not interested.
Junior Mendieta, who had come off the bench, saw a good opportunity blocked in the 80th minute.
With five minutes remaining Cupido had another chance to draw level, but his first-time effort struck the crossbar.
But in the end it was the contentious penalty decision that would be the decider, as Sundowns return to Tshwane with three more points
