Mamelodi Sundowns finally broke their four-year winless streak against Kaizer Chiefs when they beat them 3-1 in a pulsating Castle Premier Soccer League match played at Loftus on Wednesday evening.
The win catapulted Sundowns back to the top of the premiership, keeping their championship aspirations alive.
Coming from behind after a breathtaking freekick from Davis Obua in the 30th minute that gave Chiefs the lead, Sundowns struck back with three goals.
The hosts’ equalisers came in the 34th minute when Josta Dladla blasted a volley into the bottom left corner from a well-guided cross from Sundowns debutant and man-of-the-moment, Dillon Sheppard.
Dladla was at it again a minute into the second half when he rounded off a Sundowns counterattack to give the home side the lead.
Dladla’s goal galvanised Sundowns into a ruthless attack that would see them stretch their lead through another counterattack with Surprise Moriri on hand to hammer home the vital goal in the 80th minute.
It was a grudge match that had all the necessary ingredients of a cup final and the pendulum swung both ways on either side of half-time.
Chiefs, who had enjoyed much in the possession and territorial stakes, wilted badly in the second half.
Such was the switch from their flawless and enterprising first-half showing that they looked like a bunch of amateurs in and among the Sundowns unit.
Chiefs lived to rue their first half blunders and ineptitude to go for the kill when the opportunity presented itself.
Incumbent league champions Chiefs, had industriously carved gaping holes in the suspect and shaky Sundowns defence and only their inaccuracy in front of goal denied them the advantage of going into the half-time break with a healthy lead.
Chiefs hard running striker David Radebe failed to convert two golden opportunities with the Sundowns goalkeeper Andre Arendse showing good anticipation by holding on to a powerful shot.
Radebe’s second attempt came in the 25th minute when his glancing header shaved the crossbar.
With Sundowns well pinned in their half Chiefs, once again, released the stranglehold on proceedings when Louis Agyemang shot wide moments before Dladla’s splendid equaliser.
Credit must be handed to Sundowns, who never dropped their heads under the unrelenting pressure applied by their nemesis, and they too laboured tirelessly.
However, it was their second half display of total football and probably a tongue lashing from coaches Neil Tovey and Miguel Gamondi that saw Sundowns put on their best performance this season.
The championship is now well in Sundowns’ reach as they have a game in hand over second-placed Chiefs. – Sapa