Mamelodi Sundowns narrowly defeated Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in a closely contested Betway Premiership match today, thanks to a spectacular first-half goal from Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
The Brazilians’ control of possession and clinical finishing proved decisive against a resilient Chiefs side at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
The match began with Sundowns taking early control. In the 9th minute, Asekho Tiwani attempted a right-footed shot from outside the box but missed the target.Just three minutes later, Tiwani’s left-footed effort was blocked, with Iqraam Rayners providing the assist.
Rayners then tested Chiefs’ goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma with a shot from the left, but Bvuma made an impressive save.
Chiefs struggled to find their rhythm, with Mduduzi Shabalala and Pule Mmodi missing opportunities in the 17th and 21st minutes.The Glamour Boys faced a setback in the 26th minute when Tashreeq Morris limped off with an injury and was replaced by Ashley Du Preez.
Despite their efforts, Chiefs’ long-range attempts from Makabi Lilepo and Mmodi failed to challenge Sundowns’ defense.
The pivotal moment came in the 41st minute when Ribeiro Costa capitalized on a precise pass from Rayners and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from a tight angle, sending the ball into the top left corner past an outmatched Bvuma.
At halftime, Sundowns led 1-0, holding 60% possession and managing four goal attempts, equal to Chiefs’ total but far more effective.In the second half, Chiefs sought an equalizer. Shabalala forced a save from Sundowns’ goalkeeper in the 49th minute, while Edmilson Dove and Du Preez squandered chances to level the score.
Sundowns, on the other hand, remained a threat on the counterattack. Ribeiro Costa nearly doubled the lead in the 51st minute, but his shot went wide.As the game progressed, Rayners and Matthews missed chances to secure the win for Sundowns, while Du Preez’s header in the 84th minute soared agonizingly close for Chiefs.
The match concluded with Sundowns holding on for a 1-0 victory, finishing with 57% possession and nine goal attemptsβequal to Chiefs’ total but superior in execution.
Nasreddine Nabi commented, “Lucas Ribeiro is every coach’s dream. He is a difference-maker. It’s good for the league to have him. He makes the league more attractive, and he is a good person.” Nabi also stated, “Iβm not here for the money. I sometimes receive offers that are three times what I earn here, but I love this club and the project. Itβs disheartening when youβre criticized by your own colleagues.”
This result strengthens Sundowns’ position at the top of the Betway Premiership, now with 54 points from 20 matches, while Chiefs remain in eighth place with 25 points from 19 games.
