Mamelodi Sundowns have staked their claim on the PSL title race, leaving Orlando Pirates needing to catch up.
Masandawana escaped a tricky clash against Golden Arrows in Durban on 6 September with 3 vital points.
Sundowns play against Siwelele FC this week and would be eager to put Pirates under even more pressure.
Here’s how the South African Premiership table looks after this weekend’s action.
How the PSL title race looks
1 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Golden Arrows did not make things easy for the 15-time PSL champions.
Tashreeq Matthews set up Siyanda Ndlovu for Sundowns’ first goal in the 14th minute.
Sede Junior Dion then equalised with 14 minutes left on the clock, as cited by FlashScore.
With the game heading to a draw, Teboho Mokoena struck a dramatic goal in the 88th minute.
Sundowns next host Siwelele on 9 September at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, according to the PSL website.
2 – Orlando Pirates
The reigning champions have dropped to 2nd on the table with a match in hand.
Importantly, Pirates have a superior goal difference of +11, indicating that they are not just winning, but doing so comfortably.
They will need to withstand the pressure, especially with Sundowns now in the lead.
3 – Kaizer Chiefs
After briefly dropping to 4th, the Amakhosi reclaimed 3rd after a five-goal thriller in Johannesburg.
Mfundo Vilakazi opened the scoring for Kaizer Chiefs before Wandile Duba doubled the lead on 6 September.
Aphiwe Baliti drew one back for the visitors before a disastrous own goal by Siwelele keeper Samukelo Xulu.
Michel N’Guessan then netted in the 92nd minute for the visitors.
Chiefs held on to a 3-2 victory and are now within striking distance of Pirates.
However, conceding twice to a team courting relegation may have set off alarm bells at Naturena.
4 – AmaZulu
A win over Richards Bay on 4 September helped AmaZulu escape a congested mid-table.
The match was a back-and-forth affair.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored for AmaZulu in the 52nd minute, before Moses Mthembu equalised in the 80th.
A few minutes later, Nkosikhona Radebe scored the winner for the visitors.
AmaZulu would be satisfied with their performance, sitting within the top five.
Sitting a point behind Chiefs, their concern now would be a slim goal difference of +1.
What’s next for the top 4?
Mamelodi Sundowns are in action against Siwelele on Wednesday (19:30).
AmaZulu welcome Marumo Gallants to the Princess Magogo Stadium on 12 September.
Kaizer Chiefs travel to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium for their clash with Polokwane City on 12 September.
Due to CAF Champions League action, Orlando Pirates will only rejoin the PSL on 17 September.
They host Durban City at the Orlando Stadium in what could be season-defining game.
Fixture details correct according to the PSL website/FlashScore.
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