It took an age for Sundowns to find an equaliser, which finally did emerge just beyond the hour mark as Lucas Ribeiro made it 1-1 with a fine volley.

Still it seemed in the final stages that the sides were heading for a draw, until Tashreeq Matthews scored the winner with four minutes of regulation time remaining with a cross that was deflected into goal rather fortuitously.

The win meant Sundowns rise to 33 points after 12 matches, and are now six points ahead of the second-placed Orlando Pirates.

Though the Buccaneers have a game in hand, the script is beginning to look rather familiar. This despite the fact that Pirates had topped the table for some time earlier in the season with a fine winning run to begin their campaign.

Pirates were first hauled in by the Brazilians, before they were overtaken in what seemed like an inevitable theme.

The last time a team other than Sundowns won the league was way back in the 2016/2017 season when the now defunct Bidvest Wits were crowned champions of the land.

Since then though, Sundowns have won the last seven league titles in a row. Now, the lead they have is not yet insurmountable with 18 games remaining.

Any player or staff from Sundowns or Pirates would say as much, but it’s hard to ignore the signs.

Eight in a row is in the mail.

@Golfhackno1

IOL Sport

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