Sundowns power past Cape Town City to edge closer to Betway Premiership title

The league leaders, under the guidance of Miguel Cardoso, were in control from the outset, showcasing the form that has placed them at the summit of the table.

Cape Town City, by contrast, remain mired near the bottom and face a mounting relegation threat, sitting two points behind SuperSport United, Golden Arrows, and Richards Bay.

Sundowns signalled their intent early, with Lucas Ribeiro nearly opening the scoring in the 15th minute. Darren Keet, City's standout performer on the night, produced several crucial saves, denying Aubrey Modiba and Thapelo Morena in quick succession.

However, the resistance was broken in the 34th minute when Iqraam Rayners teed up Tashreeq Matthews for a tidy finish.

Cape Town City's early threat, including a dangerous fourth-minute cross from Jaedin Rhodes, was fleeting. Ronwen Williams remained solid in goal for Sundowns, smothering any signs of resurgence.

The visitors showed some fight after the break, with Thabo Nodada firing over in the 47th minute and Arthur Sales heading wide shortly after.

Rayners, a constant menace throughout, finally got his name on the scoresheet in the 78th minute, slotting home after a slick through ball from Sales.

Mokoena had earlier gone close with a curling effort and a deflected free-kick, while Matthews was unlucky to hit the woodwork in the 72nd.

Caretaker coach Diogo Peral now faces a daunting challenge with two crucial matches left to lift City out of the relegation mire.

Meanwhile, the title looks all but destined for Pretoria, as the Sundowns machine rolls on.