Mamelodi Sundowns cruise past Chippa United to move within touching distance of title

Goals from Iqraam Rayners, Jayden Adams and Thapelo Maseko sealed a 21st win in 25 league matches for Miguel Cardoso's in-form side, who also broke a club record by taking their season tally to 57 goals - the most they've scored in a single top-flight campaign in the PSL era.

Sundowns controlled the match from the outset, monopolising possession and patiently working to unlock a deep and disciplined Chippa defence. Their breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Khuliso Mudau combined smartly with Arthur Sales down the right before whipping in a low cross that Rayners finished clinically at the near post.

The hosts doubled their lead 11 minutes later through a slice of fortune. Teboho Mokoena's free kick caused chaos in the box, and with the Chippa goalkeeper failing to claim it cleanly, Adams pounced on the loose ball to tap home his easiest goal of the season.

Chippa responded with a tactical reshuffle at halftime and nearly pulled one back when Craig Martin charged down Denis Onyango's clearance, only to miss the resulting chance. But Sundowns' grip on the game tightened as the second half wore on.

The third goal arrived in the 81st minute, sealing the result. Substitute Maseko latched onto a well-timed pass from Sales and finished with precision, driving a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Chippa's defeat - their 12th of the season - leaves them eighth on the table and narrowly ahead of a five-way battle for a top-half finish involving Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants, Richards Bay, and Magesi FC.

Sundowns will look to take another step toward sealing the title when they host Stellenbosch on Sunday, while Chippa will get an immediate shot at redemption in the reverse fixture next Wednesday in East London.

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