Mamelodi Sundowns are back at the top of the Betway Premiership. In a high-stakes Tuesday night encounter at Loftus Versfeld, “The Brazilians” overcame a gritty Marumo Gallants side with a 3-1 victory, effectively leapfrogging Orlando Pirates to seize a two-point lead in the title race.
While the scoreline suggests a comfortable outing, the defending champions were made to sweat for the full three points before a tactical masterclass from the bench settled the contest.
Persistence pays off
Sundowns dominated the early proceedings, but they found it difficult to break down a Gallants defence fighting for survival at the opposite end of the table. The deadlock finally snapped in the 31st minute: a dangerous set-piece delivery from Tasreeq Matthews took a heavy deflection off Gallants defender Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, resulting in an own goal that gave the hosts a deserved lead.
However, the momentum shifted just before the interval. A handball by Nuno Santos inside the area gifted Marumo Gallants a lifeline. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo stepped up to the spot and calmly beat Ronwen Williams in the 40th minute, ensuring the sides went into break level at 1-1.
The Teboho Mokoena show
Recognising the need for a spark, coach Miguel Cardoso introduced Teboho Mokoena at the start of the second half. It proved to be the turning point of the match:
- The Clinical Finish (62nd minute): Mokoena reclaimed the lead for Sundowns, finishing off a slick team move involving Arthur Sales with a composed strike past Washington Arubi.
- The Stunner (90+3 minute): With Gallants pushing for another equaliser, Mokoena ended any hopes of a comeback in stoppage time. He unleashed a signature long-range “rocket” into the top corner, sealing his brace and the three points in spectacular fashion.
League Implications: The race for the gold
This victory puts Sundowns in the driver seat as the season enters its final stretch. After Orlando Pirates dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Siwelele on weekend, the door was left open — and Sundowns kicked it down.
What's next for The Brazilians?
Sundowns cannot afford to celebrate for long. Their attention now shifts back to continental glory as they travel to face Stade Malien in the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final on March 22, carrying a healthy 3-0 aggregate lead.