Mamelodi Sundowns increased their lead at the top of the DStv Premiership table to six points again, when they beat Chippa United 2-1 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Monday afternoon.
It means a new PSL record for Sundowns, as they have now gone 20 matches unbeaten in the league this season.
Chippa United 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Almost immediately Sundowns took control of the game, and in the 5th minute, Themba Zwane set up Peter Shalulile, who shot at goal, but goalkeeper Rashid Watenga was able to make a reflex save, before the ball bounced against the upright and clear.
Sundowns were awarded a penalty in the 15th minute when Riaan Hanamub brought down Aubrey Modiba in the box. Zwane stepped up to take the penalty, and while Chippa’s Ugandan goalkeeper dived the right way, Zwane’s effort was powerful enough to beat him.
Hanamub had Chippa’s first attempt at goal in the 38th minute, but Denis Onyango was on hand to claim the ball from the Namibian’s free kick attempt.
Shalulile almost doubled the lead in stoppage time, as he broke free into the box, but Watenga made a good save at his feet to deny Sundown’s Namibian striker.
At halftime, Sundowns remained one goal in the lead, and while they weren’t creating a lot of shots at goal, the log leaders looked comfortably in charge.
Zwane really should have scored again in the 48th minute, after being played in by Modiba, Zwane was too casual and his shot hit the upright and went out.
It proved to be costly, as moments later Chippa equalised through Augustine Kwem, who ran onto a good pass from Gregory Damons, and his shot beat Onyango.
Sundowns were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 51st minute, when Shalulile’s effort hit Isaac Nhlapo’s hand, but the referee didn’t award it.
Lyle Lakay shot over a minute later, from a free kick from 30 years out.
Kwem had another chance for Chippa in the 60th minute, but his effort from outside the area lacked power and Onyango gathered easily.
Watenga made a good save in the 71st minute to deny Sphelele Mkhulise.
Sundowns grabbed the lead on the 73rd minute, as Shalulile scored his ninth of the season as he headed in the rebound after Lebohang Maboe’s initial effort had hit the crossbar.
Shalulile hit the woodwork again in the 88th minute, when his well struck effort hit the upright.
