Ribeiro's rocket seals Mamelodi Sundowns' victory over Kaizer Chiefs

The Brazilians' dominance in possession and clinical finishing proved the difference against a resilient Chiefs side at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.

The match kicked off with Sundowns asserting early control. In the 9th minute, Asekho Tiwani fired a right-footed shot from outside the box but missed the target.

Three minutes later, Tiwani's left-footed effort was blocked, with Iqraam Rayners providing the assist. Rayners then tested Chiefs' goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma with a shot from the left, only for Bvuma to make a solid save.

Chiefs struggled to find their rhythm, with Mduduzi Shabalala and Pule Mmodi squandering chances in the 17th and 21st minutes.

The Glamour Boys suffered a blow in the 26th minute when Tashreeq Morris limped off injured, replaced by Ashley Du Preez. Despite their efforts, Chiefs' long-range attempts from Makabi Lilepo and Mmodi failed to trouble Sundowns' defence.

The breakthrough came in the 41st minute. Ribeiro Costa latched onto a precise pass from Rayners and unleashed a left-footed screamer from a tight angle, rocketing the ball into the top left corner past a helpless Bvuma. X posts from fans hailed the strike as "a moment of brilliance," with one user noting, "Ribeiro's goal was pure class Chiefs had no answer!"

At halftime, Sundowns led 1-0, boasting 60% possession and four goal attempts, matching Chiefs' tally but making theirs count.

The second half saw Chiefs push for an equalizer. Shabalala forced a save from Sundowns' keeper in the 49th minute, while Edmilson Dove and Du Preez missed chances to level the score.

Sundowns, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counter. Ribeiro Costa nearly doubled the lead in the 51st minute, but his shot sailed wide.

Substitutions disrupted the flow, with Sundowns replacing the injured Khuliso Mudau and bringing on Thapelo Morena, Bathusi Aubaas, and Tashreeq Matthews between the 62nd and 63rd minutes.

Chiefs responded with their own changes, introducing Dillan Solomons and Njabulo Blom in the 79th minute, but their attack faltered.

Late in the game, Rayners and Matthews missed opportunities to seal the win for Sundowns, while Du Preez's header in the 84th minute flew agonizingly close for Chiefs.

The match ended with Sundowns holding firm at 1-0, finishing with 57% possession and nine goal attempts, equal to Chiefs' total but superior in execution.

This result strengthens Sundowns' grip on the Betway Premiership summit, now at 54 points from 20 matches. Chiefs, stuck in eighth with 25 points from 19 games, rue their missed chances.