Zuma knocks Downs out of title race

Another former Sundowns man, Franklin Cale, created the goal for Zuma with an excellent run and low cross, but was then sent off and will now miss the Nedbank Cup Final against Sundowns.

Sundowns started well in this intense Tshwane derby. In the first minute, Teko Modise tried to chip goalkeeper Ronwen Williams who was just off his line, but the 19-year-old made the save.

Soon afterwards, Nyasha Mushekwi sent a header over the bar as The Brazilians began asking some questions of their city rivals.

Then in the 27th minute Matsatsantsa came close as Sameehg Doutie’s free-kick was palmed into safety by Wayne Sandilands.

And in the 32nd minute it was Williams’ turn to make a save as he palmed away Punch Masenamela’s powerful shot.

Katelgo Mphela was introduced after the hour-mark and his first contribution was an attempted volley in the 76th minute, but he was way off target and summed up the day for Sundowns. Johan Neeskens’ team had more of the ball possession, but were woeful in the final third of the field.

In the 79th minute, Zuma rounded off Cale’s run and cross by getting in front of his marker to slot home from close range.

Sundowns came close in the 82nd minute when Esrom Nyandoro’s powerful drive rebounded off the upright and in the 87th minute Mushekwi put his header wide of the far post.

Then Cale was red carded for a silly tug on Mokoena in the dying minutes of the match before Surprise Moriri put a shot wide of goal with less than a minute of optional time to go.

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