Mamelodi Sundowns returned back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over AmaZulu in their Betway Premiership encounter at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday evening.
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso made five changes from the side that opened the season with a 1-1 draw against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this past weekend, with Fawaaz Basadien, Mosa Lebusa, Aubrey Modiba, Jayden Adams and Tashreeq Matthews making way for Zuko Mdunyelwa, Keanu Cupido, Divine Lunga, Themba Zwane and Kutlwano Letlhaku.
And they were coming up against an Usuthu side that opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over ORBIT College at home – but it never, at any point looked like AmaZulu could shock Sundowns on their home turf, despite having the off half chance in the first half on the counter.
Masandawana, in their usual tradition, controlled the tempo and created the more clearer chances to open the scoring but the two sides went into the break goalless – which caused sections of supporters to show their dismay.
But it calmed shortly after the break when Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring, marking his second goal of the 2025/26 season as he seems on course to replicate his impressive debut season at the club.
AmaZulu managed to compose themselves after going behind and stayed in the game, frustrating the home side who were probing for a second, and even Peter Shalulile, two goals shy of the Premier Soccer League goalscoring record made his way onto the pitch amidst talk of a potential exit at the club.
But Tashreeq Matthews managed to add a second goal to secure the first three points for the defending champions.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.