Downs aim for the top

28 April 2017 - 09:53 By MARC STRYDOM
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Lucky Mohomi during the Absa Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on April 25, 2017 in Pretoria, South Africa.
Lucky Mohomi during the Absa Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on April 25, 2017 in Pretoria, South Africa.
Image: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns can top the Absa Premiership for the first time this season if they beat Lamontville Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium tonight.

The African champions, having recovered from a five-match winless run with four straight victories, could make it win No5 in KwaMashu, north of Durban.

Also tonight, Bidvest Wits will meet Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium, kicking themselves at having let slip a chance to take the PSL lead on Tuesday when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Supersport United at Bidvest Stadium.

Buhle Mkhwanazi's defensive error led to Thuso Phala's winner in a game in which the Clever Boys were pressing for a victory.

Wits (on 45 points from 23 games) can at best go second should Sundowns lose, and will remain third if the Brazilians win.

Downs can go to 50 points from 24 games if they beat Arrows, which would be a point more than PSL leaders Cape Town City (49), who have played a match more.

City do not play until Monday, when they meet Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium. Wits and Sundowns also square off on Monday in arguably the game of the season at Bidvest Stadium.

Although Sundowns have an overall dominant record against Arrows, coach Pitso Mosimane has admitted that the KwaZulu-Natal side have been hard to beat for his team since Abafana Bes'thende's promotion back to the PSL last season.

Downs have won once in four meetings against Arrows since their return from the NFD, 3-0 at home in the league this season in November.

The Brazilians lost 1-0 to Arrows in the Nedbank Cup last-16 three weeks ago.

In last season's league games against Arrows, Downs lost away and could only draw at home.

Sundowns going top would warn that the Brazilians - who have played catch-up since winning the 2016 CAF Champions League - are on what might be an unstoppable run to defend their title.

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