Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday, to move back to the top of the Betway Premiership log.
It took an 84th-minute striker from substitute Marcelo Allende to secure the win for Masandawana. They are now on 38 points, equal with Orlando Pirates but Sundowns have a superior goal difference.
Sundowns were coming into the match following the disappointing 2-0 loss in the Nedbank Cup last 16 against TS Galaxy at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Saturday, while AmaZulu FC edged out Richards Bay 1-0 to advance to the quarter-finals.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS RETURN TO WINNING WAYS AGAINST AMAZULU FC
Masandwana made 10 changes from the side that lost against the Rockets, while Usuthu made just one change.
Katlego Ntsabeleng was the first to attempt with a curler shot for the visitors, but missed the target in the 12th minute.
Khulumani Ndamane was the next player to come close for Sundowns with a header from an Ntsabeleng cross, but Darren Johnson produced an excellent save to deny him. Two minutes later, Ndamane unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box but missed the target.
Sundowns were dealt a major blow on the half-hour mark when versatile player Thapelo Morena suffered what looked like a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Nuno Santos.
The first real chance for the home side came with five minutes before the half-time break. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya missed a golden opportunity to convert from a cross by Riaan Hanamub with only Ronwen Williams to beat. But the Bafana Bafana number one produced a world-class save to keep the score at 0-0.
Hendrick Ekstein also missed an opportunity to convert from a rebound, blasting his shot over the bar.
SUBSTITUTE MARCELO ALLENDE SCURESD MAXIMUM POINTS FOR THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS
It was a much-improved second half as both teams showed eagerness to find the opening goal.
Jayden Adams came close to opening the scoring, but his header from an Aubrey Modiba corner missed the target two minutes into the second half.
It was end-to-end stuff from both teams as they continued to create chances, and substitute Marcelo Allende nearly grabbed a winner for Sundowns but was denied by the crossbar.
However, the Chilean finally got the winner with six minutes remaining after a shot from outside the 18-area box. AmaZulu will take on Stellenbosch in their next match, while Sundowns will host Sekhukhune United.
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