Wednesday’s DStv Premiership action saw SUndowns extend theri unbeaten streak to 10 matches with a 1-0 win over AmaZulu while Sekhkhune overcame 10-man Chippa.
Job done: Sundowns edge past AmaZulu
Lucas Ribeiro Costa converted the lone penalty in the 21st minute, joining Khanyusa Mayo as the DStv Premiership’s top scorer with seven goals.
Despite AmaZulu’s spirited efforts, a 65th-minute goal by Hendrick Ekstein was controversially disallowed for offside.
AmaZulu played without captain Veli Mothwa, and the fixture was relocated from Moses Mabhida Stadium due to pitch repairs and upcoming events.
Sundowns, previously winless in their last three Durban visits, displayed dominance, controlling the game and frustrating Usuthu’s attempts to break through.
The match had its fiery moments, with tensions boiling on both benches. Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena faced perceived unjust criticism in the media.
The first half showcased Sundowns’ superiority, with Costa’s penalty and a crucial save by Olwethu Mzimela from Peter Shalulile.
AmaZulu saw glimmers of opportunity before half-time, but Ronwen Williams’ composed goalkeeping denied their attempts.
The second half witnessed an improved AmaZulu performance, but Sundowns’ defence held firm. Despite Usuthu’s persistent efforts, Ekstein’s flagged offside goal added to their frustrations.
Sundowns secured another victory, maintaining their impressive start to the season.
Seven goals and counting ⚽
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) December 6, 2023
Lucas Ribeiro is taking the #DStvPrem by storm, making every match a spectacle. The Brazilian is proving why he's a force to be reckoned with in every game 🎯@McDonalds_SA pic.twitter.com/jGK0Mq0r0Y
Sekhkhune beat 10-man Chippa
Chippa made inroads in the opening minute and won a corner which Justice Chabalala headed high and wide of the bar when the centre-back should have done better from Aviwe Mqokozo’s delivery.
Sekhukhune midfielder Jamie Webber then had a shot from outside the box saved in the bottom right corner before Vusimuzi Mncube’s effort was parried away by Chippa goalie Stanley Nwabali as Babina Noko began to dominate proceedings.
The sides shared some chances but were unable to capitalise.
The match turned on its head five minutes after half-time when Zuko Mdunyelwa received a second yellow for a poor challenge on Maloisane Mokhele as Chippa were reduced to ten men.
That allowed Babina Noko to seize the initiative and the hosts took the lead in the 70th minute.
Elias Mokwana first tested Nwabali from Nyiko Mobbie’s pass before Mokwana turned creator to tee up Webber, who fired high into the roof of the net from a tight angle on the right – an impressive strike.
Five minutes later it was two as Chibuike Ohizu doubled the lead when he made a yard of space for himself in the box before firing clinically into the bottom corner.
Sekhukhune were able to see out the last 15 minutes relatively comfortably and go ninth on the table, while Chippa are in 13th.
🥳Congratulations to our Man of The Match
— Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) December 6, 2023
🏆Elias Mokwana
🦔🦔🦔#Adibahlabe #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/F4etMk9OyT
