Mamelodi Sundowns may not have necessarily needed to “beat Kaizer Chiefs to win the league” in reference to their coach Pitso Mosimane but they definitely need to beat the likes of Lamontville Golden Arrows to lift the championship consecutively. No! They dropped yet another potential gather of the three points on offer away yesterday Nov. 10, 2019 four days after capitulating in Polokwane to Baroka FC. Not only did havens open up for a natural downpour to cool the temperature/s – literally and figuratively – but it also rained goals (five [5] of them!) in Clermont, Durban.
Golden Arrows stood firm against the Absa Premiership defending champions Sundowns and delivered a mighty (3-2) blow at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium yesterday afternoon.
Sundowns drew first blood throw Thapelo Morena’s 41st minute strike. It looked like it was going to be a Sunday afternoon stroll far away from home for the Pretorians.
However, it was not to be. For a howler by the 2015/16 Premier Soccer League (PSL) “best Goalkeeper” and current (2019) best Goalkeeper in Africa Dennis Onyango ensured Arrows’ equalizer. Onyango fumbled a routine straight shot by Danny Phiri [61′], not strange but uncharacteristic of the top keeper in the PSL, and the ball rolled in the back of the net. While Golden Arrows made the most out of the rainy conditions, Mamelodi Sundowns stumbled under the swampy pitch.
The second goal came from Knox Mutizwa [72′] to make it 2-1 for the hosts, Golden Arrows. To notch up his brace, Mutizwa [81] netted via a penalty conversion that gave Onyango no chance. Abafana Bes’thende were 3-1 up at home and in the driving seat in the second half of the league tie.
Andile Jali [88′] brought Masandawana to within range to at least salvage a point but his goal fell short. The game ended 3-2 and Arrows collected three points moving up to 4th position in the league standings with 17 points after 11 games. Sundowns remain 2nd on the log after nine (9) games with 18 points.
Yesterday ushered Sundowns’ third unusual successive loss this season. Back-to-back beatings which in all likelihood may spoil their tenth league quest since the rebranding of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in the 1996/97 season. Sundowns still hold a record nine (9) Premiership titles in the PSL.
Black Leopards 2-1 Cape Town City FC
Out-of-sorts Cape Town City FC returned to their ambivalent season with a loss to Black Leopards at Thohoyandou Stadium Sunday afternoon.
In the first-half of the league match, Robert Ng’ambi [19′] gave the home side a lead which Bradley Ralani canceled on the 50th minute in the second half. Just seven (7) minutes left of regulation time, Lesedi Alton Kapinga [83′] launched a sucker punch to give Lidoda Duvha a rare win and the fans something to cheer about.
The Citizens travelled back to Cape Town disconsolate after a resounding midweek 5-3 win at home under interim coach Vasili Manousakis following Benni McCarthy dismisal.