Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 Chippa United: Brazilians edge Chilli Boys in five-goal thriller

Mamelodi Sundowns joined Orlando Pirates at the top of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings after defeating Chippa United 3-2 in a game which was played at the Loftus Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

The Brazilians were looking to record their second successive league victory having defeated Baroka FC 2-1 away over the weekend.

Gaston Sirino made his return to the starting line-up as Pitso Mosimane made one change to the team that faced Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele.

The Chilli Boys, who were booted out of the Nedbank Cup by Kaizer Chiefs over the weekend, had lost 1-0 to Bidvest Wits in their last league game.

Clinton Larsen made seven changes to the team that faced Chiefs with Mark Mayambela among the players making their return to the starting line-up.

Although Sundowns dominated possession in the early exchanges, Chippa looked dangerous every time they pushed forward.

The visitors, who came into the game having scored the majority of their goals (28.6%) between the 15th and 30th minute, grew in confidence as the match progressed and they managed to break the deadlock after 24 minutes.

Mark Mayambela scored with a thunderous curling effort from inside the box to make it 1-0 to Chippa - beating Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene hands down after some poor defending from the home side.

Sundowns then piled the pressure on Chippa, who were forced to defend too deep and they conceded just before the break after failing to clear away Sirino's free-kick.

The Uruguayan attacker's set-piece was headed home by Hlompho Kekana to make it 1-1 as Sundowns deservedly levelled matters heading into the dressing rooms.

The Brazilians started the second half brightly with the likes of Sibusiso Vilakazi, Themba Zwane and Sirino combining well in the Chilli Boys' half.

Mosimane's charges took the lead for the first time on the day just before the hour-mark when Vilakazi turned home a cross from Tebogo Langerman to make it 2-1 to Sundowns following a well-worked move by the hosts.

At this stage, Chippa were struggling to contain Sundowns and they conceded another goal in the 68th minute when Sirino was given acres of space inside the box before beating Chippa keeper Mbongeni Mzimela to make it 3-1 to Sundowns.

The Chilli Boys then grabbed a late goal through Rhulani Manzini, and Kennedy Mweene pulled a double-save deep into stoppage time as Chippa put Sundowns under immense pressure. 

But the proved to be a consolation as Sundowns stood firm at the back in the latter stages of the game to emerge 3-2 winners at home.

The victory saw Sundowns go level on points with log leaders Orlando Pirates, who have a superior goal difference on the league standings, while Chippa remained 14th on the table.