SuperSport sink Chiefs, pressure Pirates

A wonder goal from forward Kermit Erasmus helped SuperSport United to a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday and second place in the South African Premiership table. Erasmus pushed far forward before unleashing a thunderbolt from well outside the penalty area that flew past motionless goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. Ashley Hartog had put United ahead six minutes before half-time with a tap-in after a Thabo September header rebounded off the crossbar and Chiefs failed to clear a free-kick. Lehlohonolo Majoro pulled a goal back on the hour mark, hammering the ball home from inside the box after another shot had deflected off a SuperSport defender. Chiefs rallied in the closing stages and Sthembiso Ngcobo rattled the crossbar with a shot and had another effort from further out tipped over by young goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Even so, it was a miserable night for Chiefs as their slender chance of winning a third title vanished amid heavy rain at Soccer City. They have suffered four consecutive defeats in all competitions for the first time since the club was formed 42 years ago and the tiny crowd emphasised the frustrations of black-and-gold supporters. SuperSport, meanwhile, moved within one point of leaders Orlando Pirates, who they host in Pretoria on 1 May. They will also face third-place Mamelodi Sundowns in the run-in. Bloemfontein Celtic and Platinum Stars were winners away from home as well, while Free State Stars defeated Maritzburg United 4-1 at home after falling behind just past the half-hour mark. Mpho Makola bagged a brace for Free State in central town Phuthaditjhaba and Ruzaigh Gamildien also scored twice as Celtic romped to a 3-1 over Bidvest Wits in Johannesburg. Platinum fell behind against AmaZulu in Durban when Ayanda Dlamini struck on 58 minutes, but Namibian Henrico Botes equalised soon after and Patrick Malokase scored the winner from the spot.