Shalulile on target again

NEW24

Mamelodi Sundowns came out on top in a closely contested Tshwane derby on Saturday night as Peter Shalulile's first-half goal secured a 1-0 away victory over SuperSport United at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

The first half was an action-packed affair as the two teams traded blows throughout, although it was the visiting Sundowns who enjoyed the lion's share of possession - 71% to be exact.

The first chance of note arrived after just five minutes of play as SuperSport's Onismor Bhasera forced a save from Sundowns 'keeper Denis Onyango with a shot from the centre of the danger area.

Sundowns hit back by fashioning two quick-fire chances but Thapelo Morena and Peter Shalulile failed to hit the target with their respective efforts on goal.

However, Shalulile was quick to make amends for his earlier miss as he went on to fire Sundowns in front on nine minutes, latching onto a pinpoint pass from Themba Zwane before firing the ball into the bottom-left corner from the right side of the box.

SuperSport responded by creating two chances in quick succession but Moses Waiswa failed to find the mark on both occasions before team-mate Keenan Phillips saw his well-struck shot saved in the top-right corner by Onyango.

Experienced SuperSport goalkeeper Boalefa Pule was called into action a couple of minutes later and was alert to the danger, keeping out Sphelele Mkhulise's speculative effort from range.

The last noteworthy chance of the second half arrived on 34 minutes as Thamsanqa Gabuza fired wide from outside the box following a quick counter.

There was plenty of action to come after the break as, after a muted start, Supersport and Sundowns continued to create chances.

SuperSport got things rolling around the hour mark as Jamie Webber and Gabuza both went close to getting an equaliser, while Sundowns threatened to double their advantage through later attempts on goal by Thapelo Morena and Shalulile.

As the match entered the final phase, Onyango pulled off a great stop to deny Bhasera what looked to be a certain equaliser.

Sundowns finished the match on the front foot as they looked to land the killing blow, but later efforts from Mothobi Mvala and Shalulile failed to find the mark.

SuperSport had one last chance to salvage a point but Sundowns were let off the hook as Keenan Phillips fired a speculative effort from range high and wide.