By Mamelodi Sundowns ensured Orlando Pirates’ lead at the summit of the Betway Premiership was short-lived, producing a professional 2-0 victory over a resilient Milford FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.
After Pirates moved three points clear on Tuesday with a convincing win against Kruger United, the pressure was firmly on the defending champions to respond. The Brazilians did just that 24 hours later, drawing level with the Buccaneers on 13 points courtesy of goals from Iqraam Rayners and Antonio Van Wyk.
The joint leaders now hold a commanding five-point cushion over third-placed Kaizer Chiefs, who retain a game in hand. For Milford FC, the defeat—their second of the campaign—leaves the Stallions fifth on the log with seven points from five matches.
While Sundowns dominated ball possession early on, breaking down a well-drilled Milford defence proved a frustrating exercise through the opening exchanges. The home side’s first meaningful attempt came in the 25th minute when midfielder Bennet Mokoena set sight on goal, driving a powerful long-range effort narrowly over the crossbar.
Ten minutes later, right-back Zuko Mdunyelwa delivered an inviting cross into the penalty box, but Rayners could only direct his stooping header straight into the grateful arms of Milford goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza.
Despite Sundowns’ territorial advantage, it was the visitors who came agonizingly close to opening the scoring in the 40th minute. Thabana Mabena demonstrated exquisite control to pull down a lofted pass over his shoulder, but Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams stood firm in the Sundowns goal, bravely taking the forward’s shot full in the face to keep the match level.
The host side pushed hard as the half drew to a close. Tashreeq Matthews latched onto a defence-splitting pass from Marcelo Allende in the 44th minute and poked the ball past Hleza, only to see Olwethu Cele sprint back and execute a crucial goal-line clearance.
The breakthrough finally arrived deep in first-half stoppage time. Aubrey Modiba caught Vusi Mthabela in possession near the Milford by-line and squared the ball to Rayners. Though Hleza brilliantly denied the striker’s initial point-blank effort, Rayners made no mistake with the rebound, slotting home in the 47th minute to give Sundowns a deserved lead heading into the break.
Sundowns maintained a patient approach in the second stanza, seeking the safety of a two-goal buffer. Both Rayners and Matthews squandered chances in quick succession around the hour mark as Milford continued to hold on.
The decisive second goal ultimately arrived in the 76th minute. Modiba proved provider once again, carving open the defence to set up Van Wyk, who finished with composure to notch his first league goal for the Tshwane giants and wrap up all three points.
Both sides now turn their attention to weekend action. Milford will look to get back to winning ways when they travel to face Chippa United on Saturday, while Sundowns head on the road to battle Golden Arrows on Sunday afternoon.
Match Facts:
- Full-Time: Mamelodi Sundowns 2 (Rayners 45+2’, Van Wyk 76’), Milford FC 0
- Sundowns: Williams, Mdunyelwa (Morena 59’), Khoza, Kekana, Modiba, Allende, Aubaas (T. Mokoena 46’), B. Mokoena (Mailula 59’), Matthews (Ndlovu 68’), Van Wyk, Rayners (Zwane 82’)
- Milford FC: Hleza, Bhengu, Mthabela, Cele, Mdluli, Mthethwa, Mbunga (Masilela 62’), Mabena (Zikakayo 62’), Nomandela (Khwanya 78’), Sigomoshe (Radebe 66’), Ndlabi
