Sundowns maintain top spot after Baroka win

Mamelodi Sundowns took a step closer towards securing an eighth Premier Soccer League title on Sunday when they fought their way back from behind to edge Baroka FC 2-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The Brazilians have now extended their lead at the top of the Absa Premiership standings to four points ahead of Milutin Sredojević’s chasing Orlando Pirates.

To their credit, Bakgaga ba ga Mphahlele started like a house on fire but were slowed down when talisman Talent Chawapiwa’s afternoon came to a premature end. Macdonald Makhubedu’s hand was forced into making an early substitution as the 25-year-old pulled his hamstring just after 10 minutes of play.

Malawian international Robin Ngalande came on in his place, earning himself his 18^th league appearance this season.

It did not take long for the momentum to pick up as Lucky Nguzana broke the deadlock in the 21^st minute.

Bagaga could not absorb the pressure from Masandawana as Wayne Arendse’s 43^rd minute towering header made sure that the sides go in to the half-time break at level pegging.

It took Sundowns about six minutes after the restart to put their noses in front for the first time in the game as Percy Tau bagged his 11^th league goal this season, creating an exciting finale for the golden ball pursuit as he is now level with Polokwane City’s Rodney Ramagalela.

Pitso Mosimane introduced Themba Zwane in place of Man-of-the-Match Sibusiso Vilakazi, and also brought on Oupa Manyisa while withdrawing Uruguayan midfielder Gaston Sirino.