Mamelodi Sundowns remain on the summit of the Absa Premiership log after they pipped a stubborn Amazulu 1-0 in their opening match of the second round of the league campaign in Durban last night.
It was also a good outing for defending champions Orlando Pirates, who beat Black Leopards 1-0 at Orlando stadium in Soweto.
Lebohang Mokoena’s 78th-minute goal at Moses Mabhida stadium was enough for Sundowns to collect the three points to bolster their league campaign.
At Orlando Stadium, it was a scrappy win for Pirates, but enough to maintain their unbeaten run at their home venue.
Thulasizwe Mbuyane scored his second league goal to break the deadlock in the seventh minute, following a splendid cross from Ndumiso Mabena.
After the goal, the defending champions went to sleep. They struggled to add to their lead, with strikers Mabena and Benni McCarthy firing wide.
At Lucas Moripe stadium, substitute Kermit Erasmus wasted a golden chance to earn Supersport United maximum points as the Pretoria side played to 1-1 draw against Free State Stars.
Blame it on the jitters after a long break, but the young striker, who has often proved a match-winner, could have done much better when released inside the area.
Defeat would have devastated Stars, who opened the scoring courtesy of Edward Manqele.
But United got back in it when Franklin Cale headed in past Bruce Mtshali in the 38th minute.
Moroka Swallows returned from the break with a spirited 3-2 win against Santos at Dobsonville stadium .
Goals from David Mathebula, a penalty from veteran Siyabonga Nomvethe and a bicycle kick from Bennet Chenene ensured victory for the Dube Birds.
Santos’s goals were scored by Erwin Isaacs and Vuyisile Wana.
Bloemfontein Celtic started the second round of the campaign positively by beating Lamontville Golden Arrows 3-2 in a closely contested match at Botshabelo stadium in the Free State.
Celtic’s goals came from Clifford Mulenga in the first stanza, while Lennox Bacela and Tladi Madubanya scored a goal each in the second half. Arrows’ goals were netted by Katlego Mashego in the first segment and Musa Bilankulu in the second half.
Kaizer Chiefs snatched a goal late in the game to earn a 1-1 draw against Jomo Cosmos at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Chiefs dominated the first half but Cosmos broke the deadlock in the 74th minute. Substitute Lehlohonolo Majoro equalised in the 82nd minute.
A determined Ajax Cape Town beat Platinum Stars 3-2 in an exciting match at Cape Town sadium. Stars took the lead in the 20th minute through Sibusiso Msomi.
Ajax were reduced to 10 when their defender, Paul Rusike, was sent off by referee Victor Gomes for dissent.
Stars took advantage of the numerical advantage when they scored the second goal in the 67th minute through Thuso Phala.
But the home side reacted sharply when they struck three goals through Lebogang Manyama – who scored from the penalty spot in the 88th minute after Ntsikelelo Nyauza brought down Khama Billiat and the latter was given his marching orders – Matthew Booth and Cecil Lolo.
At Milpark, Bidvest Wits and Maritzburg United shared the spoils after they played to a 0-0 draw.
Article source: http://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/article3980913.ece
