Allende lifts Sundowns past Polokwane to dislodge Pirates from top spot

Mamelodi Sundowns ascended to the top of the Betway Premiership table on Wednesday night, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Polokwane City on the road.

Looking to bounce back from a goalless draw against Richards Bay, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made several key changes. Peter Shalulile, the PSL’s all-time leading scorer, was given a rare start, replacing Tashreeq Matthews. The influential duo of Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane also returned to the starting lineup.

Mokoena nearly made an immediate impact, narrowly heading a Marcelo Allende corner wide of the post within the first ten minutes.

Nothing to write home in the first half

Despite this early chance, the Brazilians struggled to find their rhythm. Having dropped points in their previous two fixtures, they dominated possession but found the “Rise and Shine” defence difficult to penetrate. Even with Zwane’s creative presence, Sundowns were largely limited to long-range shots in the first half.

Polokwane City, under the guidance of Phuti Mohafe, offered little threat going forward, failing to register a single serious attempt on Ronwen Williams’ goal before the break. The first half concluded with Sundowns unable to create another clear-cut opportunity.

Seven goals, four assists – Marcelo Allende this season. 👆📲 pic.twitter.com/LZrO1kl5v1

— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) April 29, 2026

The second half began with a flurry of action at both ends. Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners was denied by a sharp save from goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula, before Williams was called upon to parry a header from Sibusiso Tshabalala.

Allende settles it for Sundowns

The breakthrough finally came for the visitors in the 62nd minute. Substitute Lebo Mothiba, who had just replaced Shalulile, set up Marcelo Allende, who fired a precise, drilled shot into the far corner for his sixth league goal and seventh in all competitions this season.

Mathebula saves Lebo Mothiba's penalty 🤯

Sundowns lead by one as we approach the final minutes 👀

📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/DQAsCXHzvt

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 29, 2026

Sundowns had a golden opportunity to seal the win in the 73rd minute when they were awarded a penalty after Monty Batlhabane fouled Khulumani Ndamane. Mothiba stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Mathebula.

Unlike their recent outings, the missed penalty did not come back to haunt Sundowns. They held firm to secure the victory and a crucial clean sheet, leapfrogging Orlando Pirates to claim the top spot in the league standings.

Sundowns now have 61 points, two more than Pirates and the title their to lose in the final four games of the season.