Mamelodi Sundowns secured a vital 2-1 win over Golden Arrows in a Betway Premiership clash at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the 28th minute, while Iqraam Rayners netted in the 58th to give the defending champions their 13th win of the season. Junior Dion converted a late penalty for Arrows’ only goal of the match.
Sundowns made two changes from the side that beat Sekhukhune United 3-1 over the weekend. Marcelo Allende was dropped to the bench with Nuno Santos preferred in his place.
IQRAAM RAYNERS CONTINUES WITH HIS GOAL SCORING FORM
Iqraam Rayners, who scored a brace against Sekhukhune, was rewarded with a starting position while Brayan León was relegated to the bench.
Rayners was the first to be presented with a chance to score the first goal of the match following a cross from Arthur Sales, but the angle was too tight for the striker to find the target. Two minutes later, Tashreeq Matthews cut inside to unleash a shot from inside the 18-area box; however, Arrows keeper Thakasani Mbanjwa was well placed to make a save.
Rayners missed another opportunity to score when he failed to tap in a Matthews cross with 24 minutes played. Two minutes later, Sundowns once again missed a golden opportunity to finish off from a Khuliso Mudau cross.
However, it took only two minutes before Mokoena could find the lead after slotting home a shot from outside the box following a good combination play with Aubrey Modiba.
The visitors made a tactical change a few minutes before the half-time break with Siboniso Madonsela making way for Siphesihle Msomi.
GOLDEN ARROWS SURFER DEFEAT TO MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DESPITE LATE FIGHTBACK
Arrows came back into the second half as a rejuvenated side and scrambled for an equaliser with just two minutes played but found the Sundowns defence solid.
The home side immediately turned the defence into attack with Rayners converting from an Arthur Sales cross in the 48th minute.
However, Sundowns were dealt a huge blow with Jayden Adams given a straight red card after a dangerous tackle.
Sundowns thought they had scored the third through a back heel by Nuno Santos but the goal was ruled offside. The visitors were awarded a penalty in the 77th minute with in-form striker Junior Dion converting to make it 2-1.
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