Bradley Grobler scored for Sekhukhune, but Sundowns deserved their win against a tough opponent.
Allende stunner
Sundowns took the lead thanks to a superb strike by Allende on 31 minutes, his second goal in as many games after also netting the winner against AmaZulu in Tuesday’s 1-0 success. It has been a big week for the Chilean.
He was teed up by Arthur Sales on the edge of the box and curled a superb strike into the top corner of the net, giving Sekhukhune goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata no chance.
Wasted chance
‘The Postman’ failed to deliver as Sundowns should have been 2-0 up. Tashreeq Matthews, with excellent work on the right, bamboozled the Sekhukhune defence before laying the chance on a plate for Bafana Bafana left-back Aubrey Modiba, who blazed over the bar from 15 yards. The minimum requirement was to force the keeper into a save, but he skied his effort.
Grobler equaliser
Sekhukhune always carry a threat and, as Sundowns failed to take their chances, they pounced. Vuyo Letlapa’s cross to the back post was headed in by veteran striker Grobler, who had been anonymous in the game to that point.
The 38-year-old now has eight goals in the Betway Premiership this season, one behind league top scorer Sede Dion of Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Saleng off the bench
A welcome sight for Sundowns fans was the name of Monnapule Saleng on the bench as he made his return from injury as a second-half substitute.
The winger appeared for the first time since his move from Orlando Pirates in January, having not played any football since a 2-1 loss for his former side, Orbit College, against Stellenbosch FC on November 26.
Rayners on target
Rayners got his first goal since September when he put Sundowns back in front, and it was set up by Saleng on debut. His burst of pace down the right wing ended with a cross into the box and Rayners scooped the ball into the net from eight yards in a moment of quality from two fantastic players.
Rayners brace
His second goal was a stunning strike. He picked up the ball 35 yards from goal, set him and unleashed a superb shot that crashed into the top corner of the net. With Bafana Bafana lacking firepower up front, coach Hugo Broos will hope Rayners can go on a scoring run to the end of the season. His story this season and how he was sidelined is a novel in itself. Despite it being his first goals in six months, he now has eight in the league this campaign and is also one behind Dion.
Where do we stand?
The victory moves Sundowns back level with Orlando Pirates at the top of the table, though they are now behind on goal difference after the Buccaneers’ big Soweto Derby win on Saturday. Both teams have 41 points from 18 matches, with 12 to go in the season.
Sekhukhune remain on 32 points from 19 matches and are now surely just playing for third place.
