Jayden Adams of Mamelodi Sundowns challenged by Siyanda Ndlovu of Lamontville Golden Arrows during the Betway Premiership match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane.
Image: BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns (1)
Mokoena '27, Rayners '47
Lamontville Golden Arrows (0)
Dion '77
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso is no doubt feeling some relief as his side returned to familiar territory on Wednesday night, at Loftus Versfeld where they beat Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-0 to extend their unbeaten run to six league matches.
Victory over Golden Arrows in Tshwane was not an option but a must for a team that is looking to lock in momentum of defending the league title for a ninth season in a row.
Sundowns were flying high after their Sunday’s win over Sekhukhune United, confirmed their return to form having recently bagged the scalp of other teams at the top half of the table, namely AmaZulu FC and Orlando Pirates.
Arrows themselves arrived in Pretoria unbeaten in five matches in all competitions, buoyed by a disciplined 0–0 draw against Chippa United.
Tightening their defence would have been one of Manqoba Mngqithi's most emphasised training drills ahead of heading to Tshwane since Arrows were already among the leakiest defences in the league this season with 22 goals against.
However, Arrows travelled to Tshwane boasting the one trait that no other team in the league has managed so far this season - that is being the only side to beat the defending champions.
Sede Dion proved to be a threat when he when he netted the decisive strike in Arrows’ 1–0 win in the reverse fixture in Durban.
That result no doubt brought some peace in the mind of Mngqithi, having spent the past decade with the Tshwane side.
On Wednesday night, though, Mngqithi's side failed to pitch, and they were lucky to go to half-time trailing by only one goal.
They had not a single shot at goal, let alone, on target. So when Rayners scored Sundowns' second for the night, it was game over for Mngqithi and his Arrows side.
It do not help even the fact that Sundowns were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Jayden Adams received a red card on the 51st minute with over 30 minutes still be played.
Rayners should have walked out with a brace but his second goal was disallowed as the refereeing team succumbed to Arrows players pressure as they ran straight to the linesman soon as it was scored.
That was a lifeline as Dion pulled one back in the 76'th minute, but that was the Durbanites could afford as Sundowns retained their number two position on the table.