Absa Premiership match report Mamelodi Sundowns v Golden Arrows 17 April 2018

With the campaign at its business end, Sundowns were coming off a four-match winning streak which they were keen to extend.

The manner in which they lined up and started perhaps showed their excitement with the visit of Abafana Bes'thende, who languish dangerously in the bottom-tier.

Gaston Sirino’s search for his first goal since arriving took another twist after hitting the post from a scramble inside the box in the opening minute.

A combination of passes towards the edge of the box invited Sibusiso Vilakazi in the end for a crack at goal which he duly took but failed to make the goalkeeper work as he skied over the top.

Arrows struggled to get into the game and were susceptible to countless turnovers. Thus, it was no surprise seeing them go behind after the 20th-minute mark.

Downs were awarded a penalty after Vilakazi was hacked down by Zolani Nkombela. Ricardo Nascimento stepped forward to send Maximilian Mbaeva the wrong way on 25 minutes for his third goal of the season.

The hots were unfortunate not to have another penalty when Percy Tau fell to a challenge by Musa Bilankulu, only for Kulasande Qongqo to award a goal-kick instead as the ball went to touch following the challenge.

As the visitors offered no attacking threat, Downs were running at speed and looked like scoring every time they ventured forward.

It was almost two for the hosts after winning possession in the middle of the park through Themba Zwane and Tau, who ran through before firing straight at Mbaeva.

Sundowns: Onyango, Langerman, Ngcongca, Arendse, Nascimento, Mabunda, Vilakazi, Kekana, Sirino, Zwane, Tau

Subs: Brimah, Madisha, Manyisa, Morena, Zulu, Brockie, Laffor.

Arrows: Mbaeva, Mzava, Mathiane, Mngwenge, Nkombelo, Zuke, Bilankulu, Venter, Shongwe, Magubane, Lamola.

Subs: Gumede, Buthelezi, Sibiya, Ndwandwe, Mutizwa, Dube, Phiri.