Sundowns edge AmaZulu for perfect 10

Mamelodi Sundowns recorded a record-extending 10th successive win from the start of the DStv Premiership season when they defeated AmaZulu 1-0 at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Brazilians secured the victory thanks to a first-half penalty from Lucas Ribeiro, with the result taking them five points clear at the top of the standings.

Usuthu, meanwhile, suffered a fourth defeat of the league season and dropped to 12th place – just five points above the relegation playoff zone.

Sundowns took charge of the match early on, dominating possession and stringing together their customary passing movements. On 12 minutes they had their first genuine threat on goal, with Marcelo Allende’s deflected shot flashing just wide of the target.

In the 20th minute Sundowns were awarded a penalty when Themba Zwane was dragged to the ground by Mbongeni Gumede. Lucas Ribeiro coolly converted from the spot for 1-0 just before the midway point of the first half.

Tempers boiled over both on and off the field in the wake of a relatively innocuous challenge from Ethan Brooks on Sphelele Mkhulise in midfield, before ‘Downs nearly claimed a second goal just past the half hour mark.

Teboho Mokoena’s defence-splitting pass was mis-controlled by Allende, but this allowed Peter Shalulile time and space to pick his spot, though his effort was turned away by the strong hands of AmaZulu debutant goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela.

Usuthu enjoyed three chances late in the first half, all of which fell the way of Tshepang Moremi. With the first he forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams; the second drifted wide of the mark; and the third was denied by a brilliant block from Mosa Lebusa.

By this stage of the match Sundowns had begun to