Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways with an impressive 3-1 victory over Durban City FC in the Betway Premiership at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night.
Marcelo Allende, Tashreeq Matthews, and Iqraam Rayners scored for Sundowns, while Joslin Kamatuka netted the solitary goal for Durban City as they dropped points on the road.
The Brazilians came into the clash against Durban City desperate to return to winning ways after dropping points away against a stubborn Marumo Gallants side in midweek. Sundowns played to a 1-1 draw against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, continuing their inconsistent start to the 2025/26 season. In that match, Masandawana opened the scoring in the first-half before Gallants found an equaliser through an own goal from Keanu Cupido.
Before facing the KZN-based side, Sundowns claimed four wins in the league and played three draws in seven matches. In a must-win clash for Sundowns, the match began at a high pace, with both teams looking to score an early goal to secure maximum points.
Durban City opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a powerful header from Namibian talisman Kamatuka to take a 1-0 lead against the reigning league champions.
SUNDOWNS SHOW CHARACTER FROM A GOAL DOWN
In the 21st minute, Sundowns found an equalising goal courtesy of Marcelo Allende. With the Tshwane giants aiming to overturn the scoreline, they hit the upright on the half-hour mark with a free-kick from Aubrey Modiba.
A few minutes later, Sundowns took the lead with a strike from Tashreeq Matthews, who took a run from the midfield to beat Durban City’s goalkeeper Darren Keet. The new Betway Premiership side had a golden opportunity to equalise in the dying minutes of the first-half from the penalty spot; however, Kamatuka’s spot kick was saved by Ronwen Williams.
Sundowns went into the half-time break leading 2-1, leaving Durban City with all to do in the second-half. In the second stanza, Downs continued where they left off, scoring a third in the 66th minute. Rayners was the goal scorer.
The Chlorkoop-based side held on to their lead to collect three points against Durban City with a 3-1 win. Sundowns are sitting second on the league table with 18 points after eight games. They are one point behind log leaders Sekhukhune United, who are on 19 points.
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