Sundowns defeat Milford to keep pace with Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns have kept pace with Orlando Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership after they defeated Milford FC 2-0 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Pirates went three points clear with a comfortable win over Kruger United on Tuesday, but the Brazilians replied in kind 24 hours later thanks to goals from Iqraam Rayners and Antonio Van Wyk. They drew level with the Buccaneers on 13 points, and the pair now enjoy a five-point lead over third-placed Kaizer Chiefs (who have a game in hand).

As for the Stallions, they remained in fifth place on seven points from five matches, with this being their second defeat of the season.

Sundowns controlled the match from early on, but found chances hard to come by against an organised and determined Milford.

The hosts had to wait until the 25th minute for their first real threat on goal, with midfielder Bennet Mokoena unleashing a long-range drive that flashed just over the frame of the goal.

Just over 10 minutes later a cross from Sundowns right-back Zuko Mdunyelwa found Iqraam Rayners in the middle of the penalty area, but the striker’s stooping header was easily saved by Siphamandla Hleza.

Milford then had a great chance to break the deadlock in the 40th minute, with Thabana Mabena superbly controlling a ball over his shoulder, but he was unable to beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams – in fact his shot hit the Bafana Bafana captain square in the face.

Sundowns were close to claiming the lead in the 44th minute when Tashreeq Matthews got on the end of a great pass over the defence from Marcelo Allende and poked an attempt past Hleza, but defender Olwethu Cele recovered to clear off the goal line.

The Brazilians ultimately went to the interval with a 1-0 lead, as Aubrey Modiba stole possession on the Milford by-line from Vusi Mthabela before squaring for Rayners – the striker was initially denied at close range by Hleza, but then easily struck home the rebound in the second minute of injury time.

Sundowns were patient in their search for a second goal, with Rayners and Matthews both missing out on successive chances in the 64th minute, before Van Wyk finally made the game safe in the 76th minute, converting from another Modiba assist for his first league goal for the Tshwane club.

The teams will be back in Premiership action this coming weekend, with Milford visiting Chippa United on Saturday, and Sundowns away to Golden Arrows on Sunday.

Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 2 (Rayners 45+2’, Van Wyk 76’)

Sundowns: Williams, Mdunyelwa (Morena 59’), Khoza, Kekana, Modiba, Allende, Aubaas (T. Mokoena 46’), B. Mokoena (Mailula 59’) Matthews (Ndlovu 68’), Van Wyk, Rayners (Zwane 82’)

Milford: Hleza, Bhengu, Mthabela, Cele, Mdluli, Mthethwa, Mbunga (Masilela 62’), Mabena (Zikakayo 62’), Nomandela (Khwanya 78’), Sigomoshe (Radebe 66’), Ndlabi