PSL referee blunder hands Sundowns victory as Middendorp's Spurs rescue mission losing steam

Mamelodi Sundowns held on tightly to their undefeated streak in the DStv Premiership, earning a 1-0 victory against relegation-threatened Cape Town Spurs, but it did not come without a controversial officiating call that split the two teams under the Athlone Stadium floodlights Tuesday.

Referee Thabo Mkhabela, in conjunction with linesman Elphas Sithole, erroneously awarded a penalty to the visitors instead of a free-kick after Spurs' youngster Asanele Velebayi fouled Brazilians striker Peter Shalulile just outside the home side's box.

Just four days prior, the perennial Premiership champions found themselves embroiled in another controversial officiating call when Young Africans forward Aziz Ki appeared to have scored with an audacious strike against Sundowns during the CAF Champions League quarter-final.

The television replays clearly indicated that the ball had crossed the line, but referee Dahana Beida, with the guidance of the video assistant referee, controversially ruled that the ball did not cross the back of the net, leaving the Tanzanians visibly frustrated.

However, on a blustery and rainy evening in Cape Town, facing a side desperate for points, Masandawana continued to capitalise on their good fortune.

Lucas Ribeiro calmly converted the penalty to put the visitors ahead, ultimately securing the victory.

The goal took the Brazilian-born forward back to the summit of the goalscoring standings with 11 strikes ahead of Orlando Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa (10) and Cape Town City’s Khanyisa Mayo (nine).

The win propels Sundowns past the fifty-point mark (52), with 10 Premiership fixtures remaining. They now enjoy a comfortable 13-point lead over second-placed Stellenbosch FC.

Remaining undefeated, Sundowns demonstrate