Sundowns reclaim top spot with commanding win over Chippa

Mamelodi Sundowns moved two points clear at the summit of the Betway Premiership standings following a dominant 4-1 victory over Chippa United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Friday night.

The Brazilians have now toppled Orlando Pirates to reclaim first place, sitting on 53 points after 22 matches, as the race for the league title enters its final straight.

Sundowns signalled their intent from the first whistle, with Tsiki Ntsabeleng forcing an early save from Dumisani Msibi in the second minute. The deadlock was eventually broken in the 21st minute when Marcelo Allende found the bottom left corner with a clinical right-footed strike from outside the box, assisted by Nuno Santos.

The hosts doubled their lead 16 minutes later. Ntsabeleng turned provider, lofting a precise through ball for Iqraam Rayners, who climbed highest to head home his 11th goal of the season.

However, the Chilli Boys refused to lie down. Just two minutes after Rayners’ goal, Sinoxolo Kwayiba pulled one back for the visitors, finishing from the centre of the box following a headed pass from Azola Matrose to make it 2-1 heading into the break.

Sundowns Thump Chippa to Reclaim Top Spot

The second stanza saw coach Miguel Cardoso introduce veteran playmaker Themba Zwane to maintain control. While Chippa United’s Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Justice Figuareido threatened sporadically, Sundowns’ depth eventually overwhelmed the Eastern Cape outfit.

The insurance goal arrived in the 83rd minute. Substitute Teboho Mokoena made an immediate impact, providing the assist for Tashreeq Matthews, who slotted a right-footed shot into the center of the goal to make it 3-1.

With the game deep into stoppage time, Brayan Léon put the icing on the cake. The substitute unleashed a spectacular long-range effort from a difficult angle on the left, catching Msibi off guard to seal a comprehensive 4-1 win.

The result leaves Chippa United hovering in 13th place, still wary of the relegation zone, while Sundowns turn their focus toward maintaining their lead over the Buccaneers.