SUNDOWNS STAY TOP WITH VICTORY OVER RICHARDS BAY

Mamelodi Sundowns followed their MTN8 triumph on the weekend with a seventh league win of the season to maintain their place atop the Betway Premiership, as they defeated Richards Bay 4-1 at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday.

The Brazilians – who secured the victory thanks to goals from Tashreeq Matthews, Iqraam Rayners (2) and Fawaaz Basadien – stayed one point clear of nearest chasers Orlando Pirates, having played one extra match compared to the reigning champions.

As for the Natal Rich Boyz, they remained winless this season and dropped to 15th place, with only Marumo Gallants below them on the log.

After a promising start from Sundowns, Bay thought they had claimed the lead in the 12th minute when Nqaba Xulu headed from Siyabonga Nzama’s fine cross, but the goal was ruled out for an offside in the build-up. Television replays suggested the hosts were hard done by.

The visitors then claimed the lead with a well-constructed goal in the 18th minute, as an ambitious passing move culminated in Siyanda Ndlovu playing a pull-back to the edge of the box that was swept home by Tashreeq Matthews for 1-0.

However, the Natal Rich Boyz deservedly drew level in the 22nd minute: Xulu showed great pace and power to burst free down the left before teeing up Luyanda Khumalo – his initial shot was well saved by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, but the rebound fell for Lwandile Mabuya, who did well to steer home a bouncing effort for 1-1.

Sundowns created several chances to reclaim the lead and finally did so in the 37th minute, as Matthews went from scorer to creator, crossing from the left to pick out an unmarked Iqraam Rayners, who steered home a header for 2-1.

And the Brazilians almost netted a third time, shortly before the break, with Teboho Mokoena shooting on target from a free kick, but Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno made a good save, diving low to his right.https://www.youtube.com/embed/5pDmVyzBJUQ?si=xHXGX-n1TJ9iLt5d

However, a third Sundowns goal arrived just a couple of minutes into the second half, with Matthews denied by Otieno, only for Rayners to tuck home the rebound. The offside flag was up, and the goal initially seemed to be ruled out, but the referee overruled it, and it was correctly awarded to take the score to 3-1.

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