Mamelodi Sundowns are just seven points away from clinching the Betway Premiership title with four matches remaining, following their 2-0 victory over Cape Town City at DHL Stadium on Saturday.

Sundowns secured the win in Cape Town courtesy of goals from Cape Town-born players: Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring in the first half, and Iqraam Rayners added the second after the break. This result propels Miguel Cardoso’s side to 61 points after 24 matches.

The victory allows Sundowns to re-establish a 12-point lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates, who had earlier defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at FNB Stadium on Saturday. However, Sundowns have played two more games than Pirates.

Cape Town City’s struggles continue as they are now winless in 15 matches across all competitions. They entered this game on the back of a loss to Richards Bay. The last time City tasted victory was against Richards Bay in January, during Muhsin Ertugral’s tenure, before the Turkish coach was dismissed in March.

Following Ertugral’s departure, Diogo Peral took over as caretaker manager and had overseen four winless matches. This poor run has plunged the club into significant trouble, as they sit second from bottom in the Betway Premiership table with 23 points after 26 matches.

They have managed only six league wins this season, with five coming at home and just one away.

In this match against Sundowns, clear-cut chances were scarce. City adopted a defensive approach, deploying five defenders, indicating their intention to prevent Sundowns from breaking them down. This tactic initially proved somewhat effective as Sundowns, despite dominating possession, struggled to find openings for Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners. However, this resistance didn’t last.

City’s high defensive line was exploited when Rayners timed his run perfectly. Grant Kekana provided the through ball, and the former Stellenbosch striker cut it back before laying it off for Matthews, who tapped in an easy finish at the back post in the 34th minute.

Shortly after, Thapelo Morena unleashed a shot that forced a good save from Darren Keet, who scrambled to parry the ball away, and his teammates cleared the danger.

Sundowns maintained control of the match, keeping Cape Town City at bay, with the home side largely confined to marking and searching for balls.

City showed improvement in the second half and posed a few questions to the champions-elect Sundowns as they searched for an equalizer. However, in the 57th minute, Sundowns came close to extending their lead when Aubrey Modiba’s curling cross found Arthur Sales, but the tall Brazilian forward failed to direct his header on target, despite Keet being stranded.

In the 73rd minute, Matthews nearly grabbed his second goal but his stretching effort at the back post struck the upright.

Sundowns moved closer to the league title when Rayners scored their second goal in the 78th minute, latching onto a perfect pass from Sales to net his 11th league goal of the season for the African giants. Rayners now trails his teammate Lucas Ribeiro Costa, the league’s top scorer with 13 goals, by two goals.

Cape Town City spoiled Sundowns’ unbeaten league campaign last season, defeating them in the final game under the then-sacked coach Eric Tinkler. However, with City entering this match on a 14-game winless streak, a repeat performance to halt Sundowns’ march to victory appeared highly unlikely.

Tinkler was sacked in December and replaced by Muhsin Ertugral in January, but Ertugral was also relieved of his duties in March after failing to achieve positive results. These managerial changes have yet to yield any significant improvement for the club.