Ntombekhaya Zibi
Cape Town City stunned Mamelodi Sundowns after claiming a 3-2 win at Loftus Versfeld on Monday night.
Wayne Arendse was on the starting line up due to Ricardo Nascimento’s injury, while Nicholus Lukhubeni was recalled at right-back along with Tiyani Mabunda. Meanwhile, City welcomed back Craig Martin from suspension, with Thamsanqa Mhkize dropping to the bench.
The Brazilians were off to a good start just after the opening minute when Tebogo Langerman tested Peter Leeuwenburgh’s capabilities from a set-piece, which the Dutchman parried.
The Citizens went ahead after 13 minutes as Surprise Ralani played a one-two on the far side before finding the bottom corner after Denis Onyango failed to gather the first strike.
City continued going at the throat of the Brazilians with Kermit Erasmus and Fagrie Lakay setting up Shane Roberts for a chance, but he couldn’t finish it well before the half-hour mark.
Erasmus would show the latter how to go about three minutes before halftime when he latched onto Mduduzi Mdantsane’s ball over the top of the Sundowns defence to lob over the head of Onyango for his 11th league goal making it 2-0.
Edmilson Dove gave the Brazilians a lifeline in first-half time after turning the ball into his own net following a corner-kick by Gaston Sirino.
City’s captain Thamsanqa Mkhize, who went off injured at halftime against Chippa United appeared from the substitute’s bench right from resumption in the place of Martin.
Ralani found his second of the day after 53 minutes with a pass over Onyango from the far side of the area after robbing Arendse off possession.
Sundowns looked to spring a comeback following the remaining quarter with Hlompho Kekana’s probing delivery in the area requiring instant clearances from City.The Brazilians pulled one back at the death through Keletso Makgalwa who slotted in from close-range, but City held on to go seventh and derail Masandawana’s title hopes.
