Peter Shalulile

PSL transfer rumours: Peter Shalulile of Mamelodi Sundowns Photo: ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns break Kaizer Chiefs’ PSL record with Chippa win

Mamelodi Sundowns extended their unbeaten run in this season’s DStv Premiership to 20 matches with victory over Chippa United.

Peter Shalulile

PSL transfer rumours: Peter Shalulile of Mamelodi Sundowns Photo: ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns extended their unbeaten run in this season’s DStv Premiership to 20 matches as goals from Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile secured a 2-1 win over Chippa United in Mdantsane on Monday.

READ | GAVIN HUNT: NJABULO BLOM IS AN UNBELIEVABLE TALENT

With their win Mamelodi Sundowns set a new PSL record with 20 matches unbeaten to start the season, breaking Kaizer Chiefs’ previous mark.

Zwane fired the visitors in front from the penalty spot early in the first half before Chippa United restored parity through Augustine Kwem’s 49th-minute goal.

However, it was Shalulile who had the last say, popping up with the match-winner in the 74th minute.

READ | DATE CHANGE FOR KAIZER CHIEFS’ NEXT DSTV PREMIERSHIP MATCH

The first half proved to be a truly one-sided affair as Mamelodi Sundowns dominated possession of the ball while also creating several good chances throughout.

They made their intentions known early on as Shalulile saw his shot from the right side of the box saved in the bottom right corner by Chippa United ‘keeper Ismail Watenga.

And after a sustained period of pressure, Mamelodi Sundowns got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 15th minute after Riaan Hanamub brought down Aubrey Modiba in the box, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot.

PICTURES | KAIZER CHIEFS’ CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HEROES ARRIVE BACK IN SA

Zwane stepped up to take the spot-kick and made no mistake, firing a powerful effort into the top left corner.

However, the chances began to dry up as the half wore on, with Mamelodi Sundowns struggling to fashion clear-cut chances.

Mosa Lebusa headed over from a Lyle Lakay corner kick in the 23rd minute, with team-mate Lebohang Maboe firing over from outside the box just over 10 minutes later.

READ | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS: 1 DREAM DRAW, 2 POSSIBLE NIGHTMARES

Mamelodi Sundowns did manage to create a good chance to stretch further ahead on the stroke of half-time but Watenga was alert to the danger, getting down well to deny Shalulile what looked to be a certain goal.

Masandawana again went close to adding a second at the start of the second stanza as Zwane struck the left-hand post from the centre of the box.

Mamelodi Sundowns were made to rue that missed opportunity as Chippa United went on to bag an equaliser just one minute later.

Kwem netted the goal, latching onto a pinpoint pass from Gregory Damons before arrowing a shot across the face of goal and into the bottom-left corner.

Chippa United continued to pile forward as they went in search of a second goal but later efforts from Kwem and Sandile Mthethwa failed to find the mark.

Kwem again threatened to add to his tally on the hour mark but was thwarted by Denis Onyango in the Mamelodi Sundowns goal.

Mamelodi Sundowns would eventually recover their composure, though, with Lebusa forcing Watenga into action in the 68th minute before firing over the bar a few minutes later.

The visitors weren’t to be denied in the 74th minute, however, as Shalulile finally opened his account, heading home from close range after Maboe had struck the crossbar with a powerful header.

Mamelodi Sundowns turned the screws in the remaining minutes but despite creating a handful of good opportunities, they were unable to add to their lead.

Lesedi Kapinga fired over the bar from outside the box while Modiba sent a shot wide of the target from a difficult angle on 81 minutes.

Mamelodi Sundowns were again denied by the woodwork two minutes from time as Shalulile struck the left post after being teed up by Kapinga.

Those missed chances did not come back to haunt Mamelodi Sundowns, however, as they held on comfortably to claim all three points on offer.