Mamelodi Sundowns continued their dominance over Kaizer Chiefs this season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This result marked their third win over Amakhosi in the current campaign, solidifying their position at the summit of the PSL table.
A Tense and Competitive Encounter
Despite the contrasting league positions, the match proved to be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams displaying intensity from the outset. The sold-out fixture drew an electric atmosphere in Atteridgeville, with fans anticipating a spectacle between two of the country’s biggest clubs.
Glody Lilepo was a standout performer for Chiefs in the first half, consistently posing a threat to the Sundowns defence. The visitors carved out better chances in the opening stages, with Mduduzi Shabalala coming agonisingly close after a well-worked move involving Reeve Frosler. However, his shot sailed over the crossbar, letting Sundowns off the hook.
Lucas Ribeiro’s Moment of Brilliance
As the half progressed, Chiefs’ missed opportunities came back to haunt them. Just four minutes before the break, PSL’s leading goal scorer, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, demonstrated his class with a superb finish. Iqraam Rayners timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap before squaring the ball to Costa, who expertly controlled it with his weaker foot and volleyed past Bruce Bvuma to break the deadlock.
The goal gave Sundowns a crucial advantage heading into halftime, while Chiefs were left to rue their inability to convert their early dominance into goals.
Cagey Second Half Seals Mamelodi Sundowns’ Win
The second half saw a more tactical approach from both sides, with Sundowns controlling possession and looking to wear Chiefs down with patient build-up play. Chiefs, on the other hand, tried to press forward in search of an equaliser but struggled to break down a well-organised Sundowns defence.
The final whistle confirmed another vital three points for Masandawana, extending their lead at the top of the PSL standings. Sundowns now sit 18 points clear of second-placed Orlando Pirates, although they have played five more games. Meanwhile, Chiefs dropped to eighth place, suffering their eighth defeat in 19 league matches.
Coach Reactions: Cardoso and Nabi Speak Out
After the match, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso acknowledged the toughness of the encounter, highlighting his team’s fatigue but praising their tactical discipline.
“It was a very tough match. Chiefs played well, and so did we. It was clear from the beginning that my players were tired, and we lacked our usual fluency. But I told them at halftime to have courage and trust each other. The match was competitive and tactically interesting, and I’m proud of the way we saw it through,” Cardoso told SABC Sport.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi expressed frustration with the result but remained positive about his team’s performance.
“It’s a game that leaves us with regrets because we created chances and controlled the game in the second half. We feel we deserved at least a draw, but this is football. We need to push our players and encourage them for the next match. Our league position doesn’t reflect our performances, but we are confident we will finish higher up the table,” said the Tunisian tactician.
Sundowns vs Chiefs: Looking Ahead
With this victory, Sundowns continue their march towards another PSL title, while Chiefs must regroup and aim for a stronger finish to the season. Both teams will shift focus to their upcoming fixtures, with Sundowns preparing for a clash against Golden Arrows, while Chiefs will look to bounce back in their next league encounter.
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