/ 4 October 2004

Downs move to the top of the table

Mamelodi Sundowns moved to the top of the Castle Premiership after scoring a convincing 2-0 win over struggling Jomo Cosmos in their league fixture played at the Rand Stadium on Sunday.

It was one way traffic in the opening half which was marred by some rough tackling from the Cosmos players.

Peter Ndlovu missed a good chance to put Sundowns ahead in the ninth minute when he hit his shot over the crossbar from a goal-scoring position.

But he made no mistake when he headed home Vuyo Mere’s inch perfect cross in the 30th minute to put the visitors into the lead.

Earlier, in the 21st minute Clement Mazibuko shot centimetres wide of the Ezenkosi’s upright.

After the goal, Downs piled on the pressure. Lucas Sebona missed a great chance to make it 2-0 when he completely missed a well-timed and aimed cross from Ndlovu two minutes from the break.

However, Cosmos got their reward in the referee’s optional time when defender Sashi Chalwi headed home Mazibuko’s corner.

Cosmos hit back five minutes after the interval and Chalwi did well to scoop Seuntjie Motlhajawa’s shot off his goalline.

But Cosmos disappointed by failing to take the initiative and rarely troubled the well marshalled Brazilians defence. Cosmos never looked like stretching the more skilful and better organised Downs.

Cosmos are now bottom of the standings without a win in five matches. They have only found the back of opponents net once so far. Unless they pull up their socks and their strikers rediscover their shooting boots, they could find this a long, hard season. – Sapa