Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Goals from Asavela Mbekile and Khama Billiat inspired Mamelodi Sundowns to a 2-0 win over SuperSport United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
A 16th win in 22 league fixtures opens a 10 point gap between the Brazilians and second-placed Bidvest Wits; victory also stretches their unbeaten run in the Absa Premiership to 18 games.
Following what was a cagey start to the game, Jeremy Brockie's volley attempt on 15 minutes triggered a series of goal-scoring chances at the other end of the park.
Billiat ran riot for the Brazilians, first setting up Leonardo Castro, who somehow missed from close range, before picking out Keagan Dolly, who blazed his effort from a tight angle across the face of goal.
Just as Sundowns were bossing proceedings, the rain made its appearance, with the teams forced off on 33 minutes due to lightning in the Atteridgeville area.
The game resumed after a lengthy break of 30 minutes, with Thuso Phala dancing past Mzikayise Mashaba before seeing his deflected effort wide of goal.
Sundowns would take the lead from the resulting corner-kick; Denis Onyango ignited the attack and after Castro dispossessed Phala, the Colombian released Mbekile who provided a striker's finish over the advancing Ronwen Williams five minutes before the interval.
The league leaders survived a few edgy minutes, but never looked in real danger of dropping points.
Billiat put the game to bed in the 75th minute. Similar to the opening goal, Castro was the provider, this time the Colombian pick-pocketed a lethargic Dove Wome before sending his attacking partner through on goal; the Zimbabwean provided a cool finish into the roof of the net.
