Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s spectacular strike powered Mamelodi Sundowns to a dominant 5-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Thursday night. This win secures their seventh consecutive league title.

Sundowns’ goals came in a second-half rout, with Tashreeq Matthews scoring twice alongside goals from Matias Esquivel and Thembinkosi Lorch. Amakhosi managed a consolation goal through a penalty from Mdu Shabalala.

The turning point arrived early in the 19th minute when Given Msimango was sent off for a challenge on Costa. Replays suggested a possible push by Lorch on Thatayaone Dithlokwe in the build-up, making the red card a debatable decision. Chiefs nearly had another red card advantage earlier when Neo Maema’s follow-through caught Edson Castillo on the shin, but referee Abongile Tom did not see the incident.

Despite being a man down, Chiefs held their ground defensively in the first half, with Bruce Bvuma making key saves to deny Matthews and Lorch. Sundowns eventually upped the tempo in the second half. Lorch unleashed a powerful shot across the face of goal that Bvuma parried away, but the inevitable breakthrough came soon after.

In the 52nd minute, Costa was afforded the space and found Matthews with a defense-splitting pass, and Matthews slotted it home for the opener. The floodgates opened for Sundowns as Esquivel weaved past defenders and his shot deflected off Zitha Kwinika, beating Bvuma at the near post.

Matthews completed his brace with a well-placed finish in the 82nd minute when he was clean through. Shabalala pulled one back for Chiefs with a penalty in the 85th minute after he was brought down. Sphelele Mkhulise then assisted Costa for Sundowns’ fourth from range, and Lorch capped off the win with a header.

This victory secures Sundowns’ seventh consecutive league title with six games to spare, a second earlier record-breaking feat to win the league in the PSL. They have the potential to finish the season undefeated, achieving another historic milestone.