Sundowns go 17 points clear after win over Chippa

Mamelodi Sundowns continued their Premier Soccer League domination with a 2-0 win over Chippa United at Loftus Versveld on Monday night.

The Chilli Boys showed great character, playing for 76 minutes with a man down after Siphesihle Mkhize was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Thabiso Kutumela.

At the 36 minute mark, Chippa gloveman Ismail Watenga made a superb save after Peter Shalulile fired a snap-shot deep in the danger zone.

Despite being a man to the better, Sundowns would rue their lack of clear cut opportunities in the opening stanza and the teams went into half-time at 0-0.

The breakthrough for the Brazilians came right after the break as Andile Jali's shot would take a wicked deflection off Chippa defender Sandile Mthethwa and find the bottom corner.

Watenga continued his excellent form in goal, making a fine double save late in the game to keep Chippa in the game.

Gaston Sirino struck a great curling effort from outside the box which Watenga blocked and Themba Zwane was there for the rebound, but again Watenga was up to the task.

With ten minutes to play, a brilliant counter-attack from Chippa saw Siphelele Ntuli one on one with Sundowns stopper Mweene Kennedy, who used all his experience to cut down the angle and make a great save.

Sundowns then left no doubt at the result when substitute Teboho Mokoena drilled one from outside the box and it took a slight deflection off  Roscoe Pietersen to find the top corner, giving Watenga no chance.

The win sees Sundowns extend their lead at the top of the PSL table to 17 points.