Arthur Sales of Mamelodi Sundowns challenged by Realeboga Potsana of Orbit College during the Betway Premiership match at Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg.
Image: BackpagePix
Orbit College (0) 0
Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 2
Reisinho 47' Rayners 60'
Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a clinical second-half performance to beat Orbit College FC 2-0 at Olympia Park Stadium on Tuesday night.
The result lifted Sundowns to the top of the Betway Premiership standings on 47 points, three ahead of Orlando Pirates, although the Buccaneers still have a game in hand in what remains an increasingly tense title race.
After a frustrating opening half, Sundowns finally found the breakthrough two minutes into the second period through Miguel Reisinho.
The Portuguese midfielder, making a late run into the box, smashed home from close range after a clever knockdown by Nuno Santos.
It was Reisinho’s first league goal and a moment that brought visible relief to a Sundowns side that had dominated possession without reward before the break.
The goal lifted the visitors’ confidence and they doubled their advantage in the 60th minute through their leading marksman Iqraam Rayners.
The South Africa national football team striker calmly converted from the penalty spot after right-back Khuliso Mudau was brought down inside the area by veteran defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele.
With both the title race and survival battle at stake, the contest had begun at a frenetic pace as both sides searched for an early breakthrough.
Orbit showed early intent in front of their home supporters, but it was Sundowns who looked the more dangerous side.
The visitors registered six shots inside the opening ten minutes and even had a goal ruled out for offside during an early spell of pressure.
That pattern continued for much of the first half as Sundowns patiently probed for openings while Orbit defended resolutely.
By the interval the Brazilians had enjoyed 78 percent possession and eight shots at goal, yet the scoreboard remained blank.
The second-half breakthrough eventually allowed Sundowns to settle and manage the contest with greater authority.
Attention will now shift to Pirates’ midweek fixture, while Sundowns prepare to temporarily switch focus to continental duty in the CAF Champions League this weekend.