Mamelodi Sundowns narrowly edged Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in a tough battle at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday, with Lucas Ribeiro’s stunning strike in the 41st minute securing all three points for the defending champions.
Despite being heavy favorites, Sundowns were made to work hard by a determined Chiefs side, who gave a strong account of themselves, especially in the first half. Chiefs looked the more threatening team early on, with a number of chances created. In the 10th minute, Glody Lilepo outran Sundowns’ Lucas Suarez, but Khuliso Mudau intervened just in time to prevent his pass from reaching Pule Mmodi inside the box. Moments later, Reeve Frosler received a clever diagonal pass and delivered a perfect cut-back to Mduduzi Shabalala, but he fired over the bar.
Kaizer Chiefs suffered a blow when Tashreeq Morris had to be substituted in the first half, and Ashley du Preez immediately brought his pace into play, nearly threatening Sundowns with a long ball that Jody February had to clear. Lilepo also went close in the 33rd minute, cutting inside and testing Mudau before firing a shot from a tight angle, which narrowly missed.
Despite these early chances, Sundowns struck first just before half-time. A clever through ball from Asekho Tiwani found Iqraam Rayners, who expertly controlled it and laid it off to Ribeiro, who volleyed it past Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma to give Sundowns a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw Kaizer Chiefs continue their pursuit of an equalizer, with Shabalala coming close again and Lilepo causing problems with dangerous crosses. The Chiefs’ intensity caused Sundowns to commit several fouls, disrupting Chiefs’ rhythm, though the referee might have been more stringent.
Midway through the half, Bvuma made a crucial double save, first stopping Rayners’ cross and then blocking a follow-up shot from Tebogo Mokoena to keep Chiefs in the game. Despite relentless effort and vocal support from their fans, Chiefs could not breach Sundowns’ defense, which held firm until the final whistle.
With the win, Mamelodi Sundowns extended their lead to a commanding 18 points over second-place Orlando Pirates, who were defeated 2-0 by Marumo Gallants. Sundowns remain on top with 54 points from 20 matches, while Kaizer Chiefs sit in eighth place with 25 points from 19 games.
Kaizer Chiefs’ next match is against Magesi FC at FNB Stadium on March 4 before they face Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final on March 8.
