Mamelodi Sundowns claimed another comfortable win to go nine points clear at the top of the DStv Premiership, by beating Sekhukhune United 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Sundowns remained unchanged from their thrilling draw with SuperSport United while Sekhukhune were boosted by the return of their top goalscorer Chibuike Ohizu.
The Brazilians were on top of the opening exchanges and Neo Maema almost got the first in the 16th minute with a curling strike that went narrowly over the bar.
Maema won’t be denied his goal, as he broke the deadlock for the hosts five minutes later with a sumptuous half-volley into the top corner after a simple knockdown by Peter Shalulile.
Babina Noko managed to come forward a bit but their attacking intensity faded numerously without troubling Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango for most of the opening 45 minutes.
Just moments after the break, the visitors conceded a penalty after Shalulile’s shot appeared to have struck the arm of Nyiko Mobbie, but Themba Zwane stepped up to extend Sundowns’ lead with a composed spot-kick.
Top scorer Shalulile should have made it 3-0 for the Brazilians four minutes later after some lovely exchange of passes with his teammate but his shot across goal went just wide.
Cheslyn Jampies had Sekhukhune’s first shot on target 15 minutes before time with a rocket from range that was bravely parried away by Onyango.
However, Sundowns played the final five minutes without Onyango, who was sent off for bringing down Tshidiso Patjie enroute the goal.
Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was subbed on in place of Haashim Domingo, as Sundowns kept yet another clean sheet to move nine points clear at the top of the log.