Mamelodi Sundowns leapfrogged Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership title race after defeating Marumo Gallants 3-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday night.
The Brazilians found the back of the net through Keanu Cupido and a brace from Teboho Mokoena to move to 50 points in 21 matches, while Gallants netted from the penalty spot courtesy of Phillip Ndlondlo. With the crucial win, Sundowns are now two points ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have accumulated 48 points.
Sundowns returned to league action after taking part in the CAF Champions League against Stade Malien in the quarter-final this past weekend. Masandawana secured a crucial 3-0 victory over Malien at home to put one foot in the semi-final going into the second-leg this upcoming weekend.
Miguel Cardoso’s troops came into the clash against Gallants in red-hot form after winning six of their league games in a row since the beginning of 2026. Downs collected maximum points against Pirates, AmaZulu FC, Golden Arrows, Orbit College FC, and completed a double over Sekhukhune United.
The Tshwane giants had a promising start to the match against Gallants, dominating all the opening exchanges as they looked to score an early goal. Sundowns drew first blood after finding the back of the net through Cupido’s header from a set piece to give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute.
SUNDOWNS RECLAIM TOP SPOT AFTER COLLECTING MAXIMUM POINTS AGAINST GALLANTS
In the 40th minute, Gallants were awarded a penalty after Nuno Santos handled the ball in the box. Experienced midfielder Ndlondlo stepped up to convert from the spot kick, beating Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The match went into the half-break with the scores level at 1-1. With both teams having it all to do in the second-half, Sundowns introduced Mokoena in place of Miguel Reisinho to take control of the midfield.
A few minutes later, Sundowns made more changes after bringing in Monnapule Saleng and Iqraam Rayner to replace Zuko Mdunyelwa and Brayan Leon, respectively. The changes immediately paid off for the 2016 CAF Champions League winners after Mokoena netted a crucial goal to give the defending champions a 2-1 lead.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa came close to equalising after Ndlondlo received a perfect ball from the wing; however, the former Pirates star hit his shot off target with only the goalkeeper left to beat.
Sundowns managed the game to walk away with a 3-1 win against the Bloemfontein-based side to take a two-point lead at the summit of the league table, with Mokoena scoring his second goal of the match in the dying minutes.
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