Although they returned to the Eastern Cape empty-handed, Chippa United could cheer as they became the first team – in eight games – to beat defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
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Chippa head coach Morgan Mammila made some bold claims in the run-up to the draw, saying Sundowns were the “easiest” team to play against in the league, but the result told a different story when the defending champions came up against the Chilli Boys. 2-1 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday night.
Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring for Masandawana in the 14th minute when he headed in Aubrey Modiba’s set-piece. Modiba stood on the free-kick and played it into the path of Mokoena, who headed home to score his first league goal of the season.
Sundowns mentor, Rulani Mokwena rang changes in the second half and one of the substitutes Peter Shalulile was given a warm welcome by the faithful Masandawana. Shalulile returned from an injury that kept him out since last October, coming in for youngster Cassius Mailula, who has held down the fort in the Namibian striker’s absence.
Despite the long break, Shalulile didn’t take long as he scored a fine header to give Downs a cushioned goal just 10 minutes after coming on.
Coach Rulani Mokwena can hold his head high with pride as Shalulile’s goal was scored from the bench.
Gaston Sirino and Sifiso Ngobeni, who arrived with Shalulile at the same time, combined when Sirino played a well-timed pass to Ngobeni on the left, who played a delightful ball for Namibia who could not be behind from distance.
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After many tries, the Chilli Boys finally found the back, becoming the first team to score against the Tshwane giants in eight league matches. Thabiso Lebitso’s stoppage time goal caused worry for Sundowns supporters who were on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
The Brazilian has now scored 21 goals in his last 10 Premiership games, meanwhile, Bafana Ba Style’s results have created breathing space and a healthy lead between them and close chasers SuperSport United. The Pretoria giants will clash in next week’s derby at Loftus Versfeld.