Sundowns comfortably see off Pirates as PSL resumes

Goals by Mothobi Mvala and substitute Cassius Mailula saw the defending champions to their 10th victory in 13 matches this campaign and go eight points clear at the top of the table.

In pouring rain, the match started at a frantic pace and Sundowns had the first shot on target when Marcelo Allende saw his free-kick saved by Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.

Just a minute later, the Buccaneers went on the attack and Monnapule Saleng cut in from the left and hit a fierce effort that was kept out by Ronwen Williams.

Just after the half-hour mark the Soweto giants should have taken the lead but Tapelo Xoki saw his header from point-blank range tipped over the cross-bar by Williams.

Masandawana then went 1-0 in front just before the halftime break and it was from a set-piece as Allende curled one into the box and Mvala powered a header past Mpontshane.

Sundowns doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when they found plenty of space behind the Pirates defence and Neo Maema struck a shot that Mpontshane could only parry into the path of Mailula who tapped home.

Rulani Mokwena's charges were certainly dominating proceedings in the second half and squandered plenty of glaring opportunities to make the scoreline bigger.

Pirates made a late dash to get back into the contest with Sandile Mthethwa hitting Williams' post in injury-time but it was all too late as Sundowns claimed maximum points.