Mamelodi Sundowns showed they have the temperament and the hunger for glory after they blew the Absa Premiership race wide open when they defeated log leaders and defending champions SuperSport United 1-0 in a fiercely contested Pretoria derby played at Loftus on Tuesday night.
The only goal of the match was netted by Luvhengo Mungomeni in the 59th minute.
The win for second-placed Downs means they have cut United’s lead at the top of the table to three points, and the bonus for the Brazilians is that they have a match in hand at home over Santos, the only other side left in the title race. United have 47 points from 24 fixtures while Downs have 44 from 23.
Downs coach Hristo Stoitchkov will enjoy his month off in January more than his United counterpart, Gavin Hunt. This was like a cup final to Downs who had to win to keep their title hopes alive.
However, United — who have won back-to-back titles on goal difference — will not be too downhearted and Hunt knows that with six matches to play, his side are still in pole position with a far superior goal difference over both Downs and Santos.
It was both clubs’ final fixture for 2009 and United’s second defeat in their last three matches. This win was Downs’ fifth on the bounce and underlines their championship credentials.
But Hunt also knows that they have let matters slip in the last seven days, which could be costly in the final run-in to the league. — Sapa