Championship
Mamelodi Sundowns matched the points of Betway Premiership frontrunners Orlando Pirates by overcoming Sekhukhune United with a score of 3-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Masandawana made two alterations from their dramatic victory against AmaZulu earlier in the week, bringing back Marcelo Allende and Arthur Sales, while Monnapule Saleng was placed on the substitutes’ bench.
International player Jayden Adams from Bafana Bafana had a chance to put the hosts ahead just six minutes in with a header following a cross from Teboho Mokoena, but he missed the target by a considerable margin.
Sales aimed to improve his performance ten minutes later when he struck a half-volley from outside the box after a loose ball, but Toaster Nsabata thwarted his attempt.
Masandawana took the lead at the half-hour mark when Allende executed a swift one-two with Sales at the edge of the box, delivering an extraordinary strike into the top corner.
Babina Noko sought a way to return later, but found it difficult to overcome the title-contending opponent who entered the break with the momentum on their side.
During the halftime break, the visiting team opted for a substitution, introducing Tidiane Diomande to replace former Sundowns winger Lesiba Nku. Shortly after, Vusimuzi Mncube had an opportunity to equalize with a well-placed shot across the goal area, set up by Siphesihle Mkhize, but unfortunately, it missed the target.
In the final 20 minutes, Babina Noko made a comeback, equalizing as Bradley Grobler connected with a cross from Vuyo Letlapa, heading it in from a short distance, bringing his league goal count to eight.
Masandawana sought a late goal from the bench, bringing on Lebogang Mothiba in place of Allende, while Tashreeq Matthews was substituted for newcomer Saleng.
Saleng enjoyed an ideal beginning in his new kit ten minutes before halftime as he cut in from the right and sent a tempting cross for Iqraam Rayners to tap into the goal.
In stoppage time, Grobler almost troubled the host once more with a diving header aimed at the far post after a free-kick, but it narrowly missed the target. Nevertheless, Sundowns secured the victory with the final kick of the match when Rayners seized the ball outside the box and surged past Nsabata.
Verified team selections:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Ndamane, Kekana, Modiba, Allende, Mokoena, Adams, Sales, Matthews, Leon
Players: Pieterse, Johannes, Basadien, Mothiba, Ntsabeleng, Zwan, Santos, Saleng, Rayners
Sekhukhune United: Nsabata, Ndlovu, Letlapa, Mkhize, Cardoso, Mncube, Grobler, Mogaila, Monare, Nku, Mashiloane
Players: Leaner, Tlaka, Khiba, Diomande, Makgalwa, Tshibwabwa, Mokoena, Rammala, Ngwenya
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