Football
Nick Said, Special to ESPN 6y

Mamelodi Sundowns tighten grip at the top with Golden Arrows win

Mamelodi Sundowns tightened their grip on top spot in the PSL with a 1-0 success away at Lamontville Golden Arrows on Sunday.

An early goal from Ivorian defender Bangaly Soumahoro sealed the victory for Sundowns, and they now hold a two-point lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates, but with three games in hand.

Four clubs are a further point back, but all have played more games than The Brazilians, including Kaizer Chiefs, who have also featured in three more.

Sundowns are now hitting ominous form having taken 13 points from the last 15 available, picking up a head of steam as others around them falter.

Soumahoro put them ahead inside five minutes with a neat volley on the turn.

Golden Arrows came close to levelling when Zimbabwe international Kuda Mahachi thundered a shot onto the crossbar minutes later, while at the other end Sibusiso Vilakazi spurned a good opportunity just before halftime.

Hlompho Kekana saw his ferocious free kick palmed away by Golden Arrows keeper Nkosi Gumede in the second period, with the gloveman then denying Vilakazi from close range as the visitors pushed for a second goal.

In Sunday's other match, Bloemfontein Celtic moved into fourth with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over provincial rivals Free State Stars.

Celtic were always in command as they put last weekend's Telkom Knockout final defeat behind them thanks to two goals from Victor Letsoalo and a first in three years for former Chiefs midfielder Lucky Baloyi.

Letsoalo had them 1-0 up at the break as he combined in a neat one-two with fellow forward Ndumiso Mabena to score, but could not add to that before the break as he missed with the goal at his mercy.

Baloyi did increase the lead before the hour-mark though with a fine shot from the edge of the box that gave Stars keeper Badra Sangare no chance.

Letsoalo then beat the offside trap and this time found the right finish to make it 3-0.

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