Mamelodi Sundowns moved to the summit of the Betway Premiership after second-half goals secured a 2-0 victory over Orbit College at Olympia Park on Tuesday night.
The result extended their winning streak to seven, lifting the defending champions to 47 points, three ahead of Orlando Pirates, who play their next league fixture on Wednesday evening against Richards Bay.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes to the side that defeated Golden Arrows in their previous outing. Ronwen Williams, Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners retained their starting places as Cardoso rotated the squad ahead of upcoming fixtures.
The visitors began on the front foot and created an early opportunity in the fourth minute when Sales met a cross inside the area, but his header drifted just wide of the target.
Rayners thought he had opened the scoring five minutes later after turning the ball into the net from close range, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Despite controlling much of the early possession, Sundowns struggled to convert their chances before the break. Rayners had another opportunity shortly before halftime but his header sailed over the crossbar.
Orbit remained organised in defence and looked to threaten on the counter, with Gomolemo Khoto providing an outlet on the left flank, while a long-range effort from Potsane after 27 minutes drifted off target.
AFRICA PICKS: Football tips and predictions
The breakthrough arrived early in the second half. Two minutes after the restart, Nuno Santos directed a header across the area and Miguel Reisinho reacted quickly to guide a low finish past Cyril Chibwe.
Sundowns extended their advantage in the 57th minute after Khuliso Mudau was brought down in the penalty area by Ramahlwe Mphahlele. Rayners stepped up and converted from the spot to make it 2-0.
Orbit were forced into a change shortly afterwards when Brian Onyango left the field with an injury, while the hosts introduced fresh legs in an attempt to shift momentum.
Cardoso responded with changes of his own in the closing stages, introducing Tashreeq Matthews, Thapelo Morena, Brayan Leon and Themba Zwane as Sundowns managed the remainder of the match.
The victory extended Sundowns’ winning run and ensured they moved above Pirates at the top of the standings.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
