Mamelodi Sundowns’ stoppage time exploits spared under-pressure Miguel Cardoso the blushes in a 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.
Arriving in Polokwane fresh from a frustrating CAF Champions League 2-2 home draw with Al Hilal Omdurman last Friday, Masandawana needed a win to appease their angry fans. Stoppage-time goals by Nuno Santos and Brayan Leon handed Sundowns maximum points to help them stay at the top of the table.
They are now three points clear of second-placed Orlando Pirates who have two games in hand. Tuesday’s result saw Babina Noko remaining fifth on the table after entering the new year in third spot.
Despite going into this match under pressure after angering fans against Al Hilal, Cardoso still selected what is not usually Masandawana’s starting line-up.
January signing Khulumani Ndamane was handed his debut to partner Kegan Johannes in central defence. Another new acquisition Leon started for the first time, while Denis Onyango stepped in for Ronwen Williams in goal.
Striker Iqraam Rayners and left-back Divine Lunga tasted action for the first time in 2026. On the opposite end, Sekhukhune coach Eric Tinkler gave newcomer Lebogang Phiri his maiden start.
But 10 minutes into the contest, Tinkler was forced to alter his plans when Tsepo Matsimbi was stretchered off the pitch following a tackle by Ndamane. Congolese defender Tresor Yamba Tshibwabwa was then summoned to replace Matsimbi.
After Cardoso had started three strikers, Leon, Rayners and Arthur Sales, Sundowns still struggled for a breakthrough in the first half. Towards the end of the opening stanza, Sekhukhune goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner denied Leon and Rayners with some fine saves.
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With four minutes into the second half, a well-positioned Sikhosonke Langa failed to direct his effort at goal after blasting over the bar a Thabang Monare feed. Leaner was back again, this time to save a curler by Tashreeq Matthews with 15 minutes to go.
Just after coming on from the bench in the 77th minute, Peter Shalulile came close twice, including an acrobatic effort which went just wide.
Cardoso’s substitutions proved to be a game-changer and provided relief after Khuliso Mudau set up Nuno Santos, who coolly connected to beat a stubborn Leaner early into stoppage time.
Soon after, Leon placed the contest beyond Babina Noko’s reach by heading into the back of the net in a follow-up to Leaner’s save of Shalulile’s attempt.
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