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The battle for the South African Premiership intensified on Tuesday as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates secured vital wins to remain separated by just two points.
Sundowns maintained their narrow lead at the top of the table with a 1-0 victory over a resilient Durban City.
The decisive goal came from midfielder Tsiki Ntsabeleng, currently on loan from MLS side FC Dallas, marking his first strike of the season.
Despite the slim margin, Sundowns‘ Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso praised his side’s dominance, noting they recorded 77% possession and completed 725 passes.
Orlando Pirates kept pace with the defending champions by delivering a clinical 5-0 thrashing of Golden Arrows in Soweto.
Following a six-goal performance in their previous outing, the Buccaneers displayed their offensive depth as stars Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis each netted twice.
With only seven rounds left in the season, the race for the 20 million rand ($1.19 mn) top prize remains wide open, with Sundowns sitting on 56 points and Pirates closely trailing with 54.
Both clubs are also vying for the two automatic qualification spots for the CAF Champions League.
At the bottom of the standings, Magesi FC boosted their survival hopes by ending an 11-match winless streak with a convincing 3-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in Polokwane.
Goals from Godfrey Mashigo, Motsie Matima, and Thabang Sibanyoni brought Magesi within a single point of safety.
Meanwhile, Sundowns must quickly pivot their focus to continental competition as they prepare to fly to Tunisia on Wednesday for a highly anticipated Champions League semi-final first leg against Esperance.
