Pretoria – Mamelodi Sundowns comfortably beat Chippa United 3-0 in a Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld.
The match had a bit of everything after scoring through an own goal, penalty and from open play.
Mbhuyiselo Sambu scored an own goal in the 4th minute and Teko Modise converted a penalty in the 48 minute. Rodney Ramagalela struck a well-worked team goal for the defending Premiership champions.
It was the worst possible start for Chippa after Sambu directed the ball into his own net after a cross from Sundowns striker Cuthbert Malajila on the flank.
Sundowns midfield ace Modise tested his shooting range from outside the box with a thunderbolt that brushed the outside of the net to the relief of the visitors.
In the early stages of the match, the Brazilians looked like a well-oiled machine with the players combining superbly in the opposition territory.
After an extended period in possession of the ball, left-back Tebogo Langerman delivered a cross into the box that found the off-target header of Alje Schut in the 14th minute.
Sundowns were showing promise of more goals and were piling on the pressure against the retreating opposition.
With Chippa rooted in their half, Sundowns blistering winger Khama Billiat beat Sambu to the ball in a dangerous position but his heavy touch saw the ball roll out of pitch.
Anthony Laffor's tenacious style of play was proving difficult to handle for the Chippa backline. In the 22nd minute the striker dribbled past two opponents but his subsequent shot curled away from the target.
Chippa did not offer much resistance against the defending champions, and would not pose a threat to the defence for the remainder of the half.
Having started the first-half with an early goal, Sundowns were out to replicate their start in the second half.
After mounting an attack on the opposition Siyanda Zwane was fouled by Manti Moholo in the box for the penalty which was converted by Modise.
Chippa midfielder Siyabulela Shai attempted to spur-on his teammates with a sensational run, but he was stopped in his tracks by a Ramahlwe Mphahlele tackle in the 52nd minute.
With the Chilli-Boys lacking impetus when going forward William Twala made a solo-run on the right flank and unleashed a shot that was collected by goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
With the regulation 90 minutes having lapsed substitute striker Ramagalela delivered the final dagger with the third goal.– Sapa