Mamelodi Sundowns returned to the top of the Betway Premiership table with a 3-1 win over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday evening, extending their winning run to eight matches.
The game started cautiously, with both sides creating half chances, mainly from set-pieces. Sundowns eventually took the lead in somewhat fortunate fashion, as Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya headed Marcelo Allende’s free-kick into his own net.
SUNDOWNS EDGE AHEAD OF ORLANDO PIRATES IN TITLE RACE
The hosts looked the better side overall despite several enforced changes. Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba and Jayden Adams were all suspended, while Thapelo Morena missed out through injury. That opened the door for players such as Zuko Mduneyelwa, Keagan Johannes, Keanu Cupido and Miguel Reisinho, with Brayan Leon also coming into the starting line-up.
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Gallants responded well and found an equaliser five minutes before the break. Nuno Santos conceded a penalty for handball, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo converted calmly to make it 1-1 at half-time.
Reisinho was substituted at the interval for Teboho Mokoena, a change that proved decisive. Just after the hour mark, Mokoena restored Sundowns’ lead with a composed finish after initiating the move in midfield.
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EXTENDED WINNING RUN TO EIGHT MATCHES
The match became more open in the final stages as both teams pushed forward, but Sundowns remained in control. Mokoena added his second goal later on to secure the win.
The result moves Sundowns onto 51 points, two ahead of Orlando Pirates in second place. Gallants stay 14th with 18 points, level on goal difference with ORBIT just below them and two points above bottom-placed Magesi.
