FRIDAY, 12.00NOON:
SUNDOWNS recovered from an own goal in the first half to crush Kaizer Chiefs with a 3-1 victory in a tense Premier League clash at Odi Stadium yesterday.
Downs’ midfielder Linda Buthelezi gave Chiefs a free lead in the 18th minute when he accidentally headed the ball into his team’s net. But Downs didn’t let the setback get them down and kept up the pressure.
The match was marred by violence which was started with a rise in tmepers after referee Des Goslett failed to book Mark Williams for knocking down Downs’ defender Isaac Shai in the 44th minute. Sundowns supporters resp[onded by thrpowing trash and missiles onto the pitch, keeping Goslett and his linesmen from getting to the dressing rooms during half time. The intervention of Sundowns officials cooled tempers somewhat.
Then three goals, by Nigerian Raphael Chukwu and substitute Augustine Makalakalane, smoothed things out in the second half to take Downs to a 3-1 lead.
The crowded match was further marred by a late start due to long queues at the ticket office, and a spectator falling to his death from the crowded stands.
In other League matches played yesterday, Moroka Swallows beat Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 at Rand Stadium; Cape Town Spurs sweated for a hard-fought 1-0 win over Vaal Professionals at Iscor Stadium; and Real Rovers and AmaZulu, both fighting to avoid relegation, scored a point each when they played to a 2-2 draw in Pietersburg.
01