Marcelo Allende strikes late as Mamelodi Sundowns move level with Orlando Pirates

A late winner from Marcelo Allende was enough for Mamelodi Sundowns to claim a crucial victory over AmaZulu in their PSL encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night.

The hard-fought win propels Masandawana to the summit of the league table, drawing them level with Orlando Pirates on 38 points. While both teams share a +19 goal difference, Sundowns take the top spot having scored one more goal than their rivals.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made sweeping changes to his squad, with 10 new faces in the starting XI and only Tsiki Ntsabeleng retaining his place from the previous match. In contrast, AmaZulu made just a single alteration, bringing in Luyolo Slatsha for Langelihle Mhlongo.

Vitals saves from both goalkeepers

From the first whistle, Sundowns displayed their attacking ambitions but found it difficult to penetrate a well-organised AmaZulu defence. Usuthu, for their part, struggled to build any significant momentum going forward in the early stages.

The first real chance came in the 18th minute when AmaZulu goalkeeper Darren Johnson produced a superb save, tipping a powerful header from Khulumani Ndamane over the crossbar. Despite dominating possession, the Brazilians often lacked the final, decisive touch in the attacking third.

A setback occurred for the visitors on the half-hour mark when Thapelo Morena was forced off with an injury, making way for Nuno Santos. Just before halftime, Sundowns’ keeper Ronwen Williams was called into action, making a vital save to deny Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya in a one-on-one situation after a precise cross from Riaan Hanamub.

Allende with late blow to AmaZulu

Impact off the bench 🤩💥

Seven minutes on the pitch and Marcelo Allende strikes 👆🟡

📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/BerQZQZj74

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) February 24, 2026

After the break, Sundowns continued to control the game, enjoying the majority of possession and making more frequent entries into the AmaZulu penalty area. However, the breakthrough remained elusive.

In the 64th minute, Brayan León, who has netted six goals in seven games, missed a golden opportunity to put Sundowns ahead. After being played through by Tashreeq Matthews, the Colombian striker’s shot flashed inches wide of the post. As the match wore on, AmaZulu solidified their defensive lines, seemingly content to secure a point at home.

Just as a stalemate seemed inevitable, Marcelo Allende broke the deadlock in the 84th minute, finding the back of the net to give his side the lead. AmaZulu were unable to muster a response in the final minutes, allowing the visitors to leave with all three points. Despite the loss, Usuthu remain fifth in the standings with 30 points from 18 games.