Facing the reigning giants of South African football, Mamelodi Sundowns, Cape Town City entered this crucial encounter with urgency written all over their performance. Desperate to reverse their recent slump and breathe life back into their Betway Premiership campaign, The Citizens hit the ground running, full of energy and intent. From the first whistle, they looked eager to seize control and steer their season away from the looming threat of relegation.
But standing in their way was a confident Sundowns side, determined to tighten their grip at the summit of the Betway Premiership standings.
Modiba Sparks Early Danger
As the first half progressed, it was the visitors who began asserting themselves. Aubrey Modiba nearly opened the scoring with a sharp, instinctive strike inside the penalty area. However, City’s shot-stopper Darren Keet was alert and produced a solid save to deny him.
Moments later, Modiba showcased his creative side. Spotting space on the flank, he delivered a pinpoint cross into the box for Iqraam Rayners. The opportunity was ripe, but Rayners misjudged his header, squandering what looked like a surefire goal.
Matthews Puts Sundowns in Front
The relentless pressure eventually told. With ten minutes to go before the interval, Cape Town City’s backline finally gave way. This time, Rayners turned provider, whipping in a well-placed ball that found Tashreeq Matthews at the right moment. Matthews made no mistake, calmly placing his shot past a helpless Keet to hand Sundowns a deserved lead.
City Push Back but Can’t Break Through
Despite going behind, Cape Town City refused to throw in the towel. Right after the restart, Thabo Nodada came close to leveling the score with a fierce drive from just outside the area, but the ball sailed narrowly over the bar.
The hosts kept pressing, looking for a breakthrough, but Sundowns’ composure and control in midfield gradually tightened their hold on the game. Lucas Ribeiro came close to doubling the visitors’ advantage from a free-kick, but his curling effort just missed the top corner.
Matthews and Rayners Run the Show
As the second half wore on, Tashreeq Matthews continued to torment the City defense with his movement and flair. He almost grabbed a brace with a low shot that struck the upright — a reminder of how dangerous Sundowns were on the break.
Then came the moment that sealed the result. With just over ten minutes remaining, Arthur Sales split the City defense with a clever through ball. Rayners latched onto it and coolly slotted home his 11th goal of the season, underlining his credentials as one of the league’s top marksmen.
Masandawana Close it Out in Style
With the result virtually in the bag, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso opted to refresh his squad. He introduced Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Maseko, and Jayden Adams to see out the final stages with renewed energy and composure.
From there, the visitors managed the game with professionalism, shutting down any hope of a City comeback and cruising to a 2–0 victory. The result pushes Sundowns 12 points clear of their closest challengers, Orlando Pirates, and reinforces their status as title favorites.
- Final Score: Cape Town City 0–2 Mamelodi Sundowns
For Sundowns, it was another composed and clinical performance — business as usual for the league leaders. As for Cape Town City, the struggle continues. They’ll need to regroup quickly if they hope to climb out of the danger zone and avoid a tense finish to the season.
Read also: Orlando Pirates Came from Behind to Defeat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 to Stay in Title Race
