Sundowns go top after easing past Arrows

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Two goals in the opening six minutes by Hlompho Kekana and Themba Zwane was enough to guide Mamelodi Sundowns to a 2-0 win over Golden Arrows, a result which takes them two points clear of Orlando Pirates at the top of the Absa Premiership table.

Downs went into the game knowing that three points would put them top of the Absa Premiership after Orlando Pirates were held to a 2-2 draw against Cape Town City over the weekend.

Arrows, however, were looking to spoil the party while also looking to push for a top 8 finish.

The Brazilians though got off to the perfect start as their skipper Hlompho Kekana fired them into the lead with just two minutes on the clock. The midfielder latched onto an exquisite back-heel by Themba Zwane on the edge of the box before rifling his shot into the bottom corner.

Not long after and Zwane turned from provider to scorer as he received a pass from Gaston Sirino, who was quick to react when Arrows defender Musa Bilankulu gave the ball away sloppily, before placing his shot past Maximilian Mbaeva in the Arrows goal.

Abafana Bes’thende were on the back foot for the majority of the opening stages but created a chance of their own in the 17th minute when Danny Venter’s corner caused chaos in the Sundowns’ box where Bilankulu blazed the volley over the crossbar.

Sundowns then came close to extending their lead minutes later as Sibusiso Vilakazi played a neat one-two with Zwane but could only find the side netting from an acute angle.

It was all Sundowns at this point with Tebogo Langerman hitting the crossbar before Vilakazi missed another guilt edge chance.

2- at the break with Downs firmly in control.

Steve Komphela’s men came out fighting in the second half and almost pulled a goal back 10 minutes after the restart but Venter couldn’t hit the target with his volley.

Both sides were then trading chances as Lebohang Maboe first forced Mbaeva into a good save and then Mathentwa’s thunderous volley forced Dennis Onyango in to a brilliant save.

Mbaeva was proving to be in fine form and stopped Sundowns from adding to their lead in the second hlad. Pitso Mosimane’s team however were hardly troubled throughout the match and were comfortable winners in the end.

Sundowns take control of the title race with one game to go.

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Dylan