Mamelodi Sundowns can wrap up the Absa Premiership title as early as tonight after Bidvest Wits were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Mpumalanga Black Aces at Mbombela Stadium last night.
Aces have had such an excellent season to be in the top five that it seemed fitting they played what will surely be a crucial role deciding the title winners.
And those winners must surely now be Sundowns (62 points with three games left), who need three points against Pretoria University at Tuks Stadium tonight to lift their seventh PSL title.
Wits (57 points with two games remaining) have been left to contemplate what might have been.
Aces winger Thabo Nodada put his side ahead in the eighth minute, Sibusiso Vilakazi equalising in the 34th.
PSL player of the season in 2014 Vilakazi, having his best match in some time as he has inched towards form with increased starting time, slotted a second in the 87th that appeared to keep the championship race alive.
But two minutes later Aces midfielder Zamuxolo Ngalo spooned in their second to dash Wits' short-lived hopes.
Wits had their chances, and plenty of them, but pressure counted as the Clever Boys contrived to miss too many clear opportunities.
Bryce Moon's low squared pass found three Aces players queuing as Aces found the early spaces. Collins Mbesuma allowed the ball through his legs to find Nodada, who had to score from a completely free position.
Aces left-back Cebo Meyiwa's cross dipped beautifully for Moon to run onto and head onto the upright.
From there it was a procession of chances to Wits. Joaquim Lupeta, who missed a sitter in the Clever Boys' costly home draw against Chippa United on Saturday, should have done better with a close-range header from Sifiso Hlanti's cross.
With five minutes left Elias Pelembe had time to chest down in the area but scooped his shot wide.
Klate showed excellent vision to split the defence and put Vilakazi through for the midfielder score his seventh of the season. But in the 89th Sibusiso Masina flicked on Lindokuhle Mbatha's corner for Ngalo to volley in.
Wits hand title to Downs
Mamelodi Sundowns can wrap up the Absa Premiership title as early as tonight after Bidvest Wits were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Mpumalanga Black Aces at Mbombela Stadium last night.
Aces have had such an excellent season to be in the top five that it seemed fitting they played what will surely be a crucial role deciding the title winners.
And those winners must surely now be Sundowns (62 points with three games left), who need three points against Pretoria University at Tuks Stadium tonight to lift their seventh PSL title.
Wits (57 points with two games remaining) have been left to contemplate what might have been.
Aces winger Thabo Nodada put his side ahead in the eighth minute, Sibusiso Vilakazi equalising in the 34th.
PSL player of the season in 2014 Vilakazi, having his best match in some time as he has inched towards form with increased starting time, slotted a second in the 87th that appeared to keep the championship race alive.
But two minutes later Aces midfielder Zamuxolo Ngalo spooned in their second to dash Wits' short-lived hopes.
Wits had their chances, and plenty of them, but pressure counted as the Clever Boys contrived to miss too many clear opportunities.
Bryce Moon's low squared pass found three Aces players queuing as Aces found the early spaces. Collins Mbesuma allowed the ball through his legs to find Nodada, who had to score from a completely free position.
Aces left-back Cebo Meyiwa's cross dipped beautifully for Moon to run onto and head onto the upright.
From there it was a procession of chances to Wits. Joaquim Lupeta, who missed a sitter in the Clever Boys' costly home draw against Chippa United on Saturday, should have done better with a close-range header from Sifiso Hlanti's cross.
With five minutes left Elias Pelembe had time to chest down in the area but scooped his shot wide.
Klate showed excellent vision to split the defence and put Vilakazi through for the midfielder score his seventh of the season. But in the 89th Sibusiso Masina flicked on Lindokuhle Mbatha's corner for Ngalo to volley in.
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