Mamelodi Sundowns moved to the second spot on the log when they beat struggling Wits University 3-2 in a lively Castle Premier League encounter at Loftus on Monday.
Wits took the lead as early as the second minute when striker Etienne Bito’o converted a cross that was sent in by counterpart Alois Bunjira.
Sundowns equalised in the 12th minute when Peter Ndlovu headed past Wits goalkeeper Wayne Roberts from a good pass sent by overlapping defender Vuyo Mere.
Sundowns took the lead in the 60th minute when Wits defender Nkosana Qaba scored an own goal in attempt to clear a cross by striker Paulus Masehe. They increased their lead in the 75th minute through impressive striker Lerato Chabangu, who struck home Saka Tiene’s cross from the left flank.
Wits got a consolation goal during optional time when referee Brian Sibisi judged Sundowns defender Neil Winstanley to have hacked down Richard Ferreira in the box for Reagan Noble to convert from the spot.
Vital win for Leopards
Black Leopards beat fellow relegation candidates Manning Rangers 1-0 in a do-or-die Premier Soccer League game at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Monday.
There was no score at half-time.
In the second half, Leopards started well, controlling the game as they searched for a goal. They were lucky in the 75th minute when striker Rudzani Ramudzuli scored the winning goal, to make sure that his team collected the vital three points.
A good crowd — mainly Leopards supporters — came in large numbers from in and around Limpopo to watch their team fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation.
Arrows draw with Silver Stars
Lamontville Golden Arrows shared the spoils with Silver Stars when they played to a one-all draw in a Castle Premiership encounter at King Zwelithini Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday.
The home side led 1-0 at interval, thanks to a magnificent goal scored by Richard Henyekane in the 35th minute, after receiving an excellent through ball from Thiyekile Ace Gulwa.
Three minutes later, the visitors failed to equalise when Joel Luphahla’s header went wide with Arrows goalkeeper Davis Phiri beaten easily.
In the 62nd minute, Silver Stars introduced Brian van Wyk for Luphahla. His first touch was saved by Phiri in the 63rd minute.
The visitors equalised in the 82nd minute after receiving a cross from Mashego Katlego. Two minutes later, Thokozani Mshengu missed an easy chance to regain Arrows’ lead.
Birds fight back
Moroka Swallows fought back from a goal down and ensured they will compete in next season’s Supa8 Cup when they defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 in a Castle Premiership fixture played at the Rand Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday.
Celtic led 1-0 at half-time.
The result dents the Free State club’s hopes of playing in next season’s pipe opener — the Supa8 Cup. Celtic took the lead in the eighth minute when striker Moses Spandeel netted.
It took the Birds only a minute into the second half to draw level when Pitso Lekone scored the equaliser in the 46th minute.
A striker by Mark McVeigh earned the home side three points with a second-half winner. — Sapa