SuperSport United and Richards Bay both failed to close the gap on the DStv Premiership leaders Sundowns, while Golden Arrows picked up a massive three points.
Orlando Pirates were the biggest winners at the top end of the table after a 2-0 victory over Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium on Friday saw them move up to third position.
Monnapule Saleng (45+1') opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time and Terrence Dzvukamanja (71') sealed a fourth win in five games for the Buccaneers. The Team of Choice remain unmoved in 15th spot after going winless in their last three matches.
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📆 17.02.2023
🏟 Orlando Stadium
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On Saturday, SuperSport United missed out on the chance to cement second place when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Royal AM at the Chatsworth Stadium.
Bradley Grobler fired Matsatsantsa in front on 25 minutes but Kabelo Mahlasela hit back for Thwihli Thwahla 13 minutes later to earn a share of the spoils.
Gavin Hunt's side have now drawn three of their last four matches to hold a two-point advantage over Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay, while Royal AM dropped to ninth despite being unbeaten in two outings.
Richards Bay slipped to fourth in the standings after their poor run of form continued with a 2-0 defeat at Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Second-half goals from Pogiso Mahlangu (49') and Chibuike Ohizu (52') arrested a two-game losing streak for Babina Noko, who moved up to sixth position. The Natal Rich Boyz are now winless in their last two encounters following back-to-back losses.
Elsewhere, TS Galaxy picked up another impressive result with a 2-1 triumph over AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Results from Friday February 17
Orlando Pirates 2-1 Maritzburg United
Saturday, February 18
Royal AM 1-1 SuperSport United
Sekhukhune United 2-0 Richards Bay
AmaZulu 1-2 TS Galaxy
Sunday, February 19
Kaizer Chiefs 2-3 Golden Arrows
Cape Town City 2-0 Swallows
A brace from Djakaridja Traore (35' PEN, 55') did the damage for the Rockets, who surged up to seventh spot. Sede Dion (84') pulled one back for Usuthu as they slumped to 11th place after going four games without a win.
In Sunday's action, Golden Arrows and Cape Town City both got back on the winning trail to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone.
Abafana Bes'thende staged a brave fightback to beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, where Sfiso Hlanti (8') and Mduduzi Shabalala (47') had twice given Amakhosi the lead.
However, Ntsako Makhubela (45+1') restored parity initially before a Knox Mutizwa (69', 78') double secured the comeback win for Arrows to lift them up to 10th in the table, with Chiefs staying fifth.
Meanwhile, the Citizens halted a two-match losing streak as goals in each half from Taahir Goedeman (8') and Taariq Fielies (55') handed them a 2-0 win over Swallows at the DHL Stadium.
City climbed into the top eight, one point clear of ninth-placed Royal AM as the Dube Birds remained in 15th spot, three points ahead of rock-bottom Marumo Gallants.
