• Sundowns' pace exploited Chiefs' defensive frailties
• Chiefs’ silverware chances grow dimmer after defeat
• Rayners and Shalulile shine as Sundowns dominate

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Kaizer Chiefs made a few changes going into this game, with Mfundo Vilakazi, Yusuf Maart, and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo dropped for Samkelo Zwane, Gaston Sirino, and Wandile Duba at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Despite the adjustments, it took Chiefs 29 minutes to reach the danger area, earning their first corner. Within the first 30 minutes, both Duba and Zwane were booked, with Captain Inacio Miguel also added to the list before half-time

Chiefs' first shot on target came just before the break, with Ranga Chivaviro’s tame effort barely troubling Ronwen Williams. In a bid to turn the game around in the second half, coach Nasreddine Nabi replaced Zwane and Duba with Maart and Vilakazi.

In the 53rd minute, Inacio Miguel received a second yellow card for a foul on Shalulile in an attacking position, reducing Chiefs to ten men while trailing 3-0. Another shot by Mduduzi Shabalala from inside the box failed to test Williams, who had a relatively quiet day.

On the Sundowns side, only one change was made from their previous game against Cape Town City, with Neo Maema making way for Tebogo Mokoena. Sundowns took an early lead in the 13th minute through an Iqraam Rayners penalty after Njabulo Blom fouled Lucas Ribeiro. Rayners, the former Stellies player, had already hit the post in the 6th minute and found his second goal in the 22nd minute.

The game started at a high pace, with Sundowns settling in quickly and dominating possession. Rayners' pace caused problems for Chiefs' defense, and Shalulile nearly made it three, but Fiacre Ntwari managed to make a crucial save to keep Chiefs in the game.

There was a brief halt in the game as supporters invaded the pitch, causing a break in play. Sundowns extended their lead to 3-0 in the 40th minute as Peter Shalulile finished off a cross from Aubrey Modiba.

Just before halftime, Ribeiro nearly made it four, but his shot hit the woodwork. In the second half, Khuliso Mudau scored a fourth goal after a well-timed pass from Ribeiro. Chiefs attempted a response, but Vilakazi’s deflected shot from a set piece didn’t test the Sundowns keeper.

Towards the end, Thatoayaone Ditlhokwe missed a chance to score a consolation goal, sending his shot over the bar.

THE MVP

Iqraam Rayners, who scored a brace and consistently troubled the Chiefs' defence.

THE BIG LOSER

Coach Nasreddine Nabi, as he suffered his second consecutive defeat to Manqoba Mngqithi.

Chiefs' silverware hopes are dwindling, with only the Nedbank Cup and the PSL left to challenge for.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Sundowns now turn their focus to the league as they chase Orlando Pirates, who currently sit at the top of the table.

Sundowns' next match is against Polokwane City, while Chiefs will only play after the international break when they face Richards Bay.

The Brazilians also await the Carling Knockout draw to find out their opponents in the last four.

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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