A mini-round of DStv Premiership action on Tuesday saw league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns keep up their winning run, while neighbours SuperSport United leapfrogged into second spot to make it a Tshwane 1-2 at the top of the table.
The Brazilians racked up an eighth straight win by defeating Swallows FC 2-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, thanks to goals from Neo Maema and Themba Zwane.
‘Downs endured a frustrating second half, but their patience was rewarded, as the club registered their best run in the league since winning 10 straight in the 2013-14 season.
Neo Maema = Absolute quality ?
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) January 3, 2023
Mfana o ke star ??
?? Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/Tg69y0EeUL pic.twitter.com/tA1UlMjonQ
As for the Birds, this is a second straight defeat since the league’s restart this past weekend and leaves them in the relegation playoff spot (15th), two points ahead of bottom-of-the-log Maritzburg United.
The Brazilians’ nearest chasers are SuperSport United, who kept up their good form by defeating Cape Town City 1-0 away in the lone late-afternoon kick-off.
Matsatsantsa claimed a fifth win from their last six league matches thanks to Bradley Grobler’s 82nd-minute close-range header – as well as fine defensive performance, led by Kegan Johannes and Luke Fleurs.
The other two evening matches brought a goalless stalemate between Royal AM and TS Galaxy at Chatsworth Stadium (though both teams hit the woodwork and Thwihli Thwahla missed a penalty), while Sekhukhune United claimed a key 3-2 win over Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in a relegation six-pointer.
Babina Noko claimed the victory on the back of goals from Chibuike Ohizu and Victor Letsoalo (two), pushing themselves three places and two points clear of the red zone, while Bahlabane ba Ntwa are only above the playoff spot on goal difference.
The DStv Premiership will continue with a full round of fixtures this coming weekend, 6-8 January, headlined by Richards Bay hosting Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates visiting Cape Town City and a derby between Royal AM and AmaZulu.
RESULTS:
Cape Town City 0-1 SuperSport United
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Swallows FC
Royal AM 0-0 TS Galaxy
Sekhukhune United 3-2 Marumo Gallants