Mamelodi Sundowns Extend Lead with 4-2 Victory Over Sekhukhune United
Mamelodi Sundowns continued their dominant run in the Betway Premiership with a 4-2 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening. The win saw the Brazilians extend their lead at the top of the table to 15 points, further strengthening their grip on an eighth consecutive league title.
Thapelo Morena, Lucas Suarez, Lucas Ribeiro, and Arthur Sales found the back of the net as Sundowns registered their 17th win in 19 league matches. Despite Orlando Pirates holding four games in hand, Sundowns’ relentless form makes it increasingly difficult for any challengers to catch them.
First-Half Action
Sundowns took control of the match early, and their pressure paid off in the 16th minute when Thapelo Morena opened the scoring. Jayden Adams delivered an excellent diagonal ball into the box, and Morena expertly controlled it on his chest before slotting a composed finish past Sekhukhune goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare.
However, Sekhukhune found an equalizer in the 35th minute through Katlego Otladisa. Shaune Mogaila sent in a cross from the right, which Sundowns’ goalkeeper Jody February failed to collect cleanly, allowing Otladisa to pounce and level the score at 1-1.
Sundowns nearly responded immediately when Iqraam Rayners saw his header tipped over the bar by Sangare. But just a minute later, another corner kick led to their second goal. Sangare misjudged the delivery, and Lucas Suarez headed into an open net to restore the visitors’ lead at 2-1 before halftime.
Sundowns Take Control
The second half saw Sundowns assert their dominance. In the 55th minute, a defensive lapse gifted Rayners a golden opportunity. Although he was brought down in a collision with Sangare, the ball fell kindly to Lucas Ribeiro, who made no mistake in making it 3-1.
The victory was sealed in the 66th minute when substitute Arthur Sales added a fourth goal. The Brazilian forward, who had just replaced Rayners, found space outside the box, turned, and fired a precise low shot into the bottom corner.
Sekhukhune managed to pull a goal back in the 70th minute through former Sundowns player Keletso Makgalwa. A defensive mistake allowed him to stab a low shot past February, reducing the deficit to 4-2.
Eyes on the Next Challenge
With a comfortable lead, Sundowns controlled the remainder of the match and conserved their energy ahead of a crucial clash against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday. Meanwhile, Sekhukhune remain in third place despite suffering their sixth league defeat of the season.
As Sundowns continue their relentless march towards another PSL title, their latest performance once again showcased why they are the undisputed kings of South African football.
