Sundowns sink Sekhukhune to go three points clear of Orlando Pirates at the top

Mamelodi Sundowns opened a three‑point gap at the top of the Betway Premiership after grinding out a dramatic 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night.

The win keeps Masandawana in control of the title race, although second‑placed Orlando Pirates still have two games in hand. Sundowns will now shift their focus to continental action as they travel to Rwanda for Friday’s CAF Champions League clash against Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman.

Sekhukhune remain fifth on the table, three points behind Pirates but having played three more matches. Eric Tinkler’s men will look to bounce back when they visit TS Galaxy in Mpumalanga on Sunday.

Sundowns dominant but frustrated by Leaner

From the outset Sundowns dictated the tempo, owning possession while Sekhukhune opted to sit deep and play on the break. Despite their control, the champions were continually denied by an inspired Renaldo Leaner.

The Babina Noko goalkeeper produced a brilliant save to keep out Brayan Leon in the 42nd minute before stopping Iqraam Rayners moments later, ensuring the sides went into the break level at 0-0.

Sundowns continued to pile on pressure in the second half, but Leaner’s heroics persisted. He comfortably gathered another Leon strike early in the second half and later made a superb block to deny Tashreeq Matthews in the 74th minute — just days after keeping a clean sheet against Orlando Pirates.

Late drama seals it for the champions

Despite Leaner’s resistance, Sundowns refused to relent and finally broke the deadlock in stoppage time. Substitute Khuliso Mudau provided the decisive pass for Nuno Santos, who slotted home to make it 1-0 in the 91st minute.

Just three minutes later the visitors doubled their lead. Leon reacted quickest to fire home the rebound after Leaner had initially saved Peter Shalulile’s effort, sealing a crucial 2-0 win for the Tshwane giants.

Line-ups

Sekhukhune: Leaner, Phiri (Tlaka 59′), Matsimbi (Yamba Yamba 10′), Monare, Mkhize, Langa, Ndlovu, Letlapa, Grobler (Boyeli 60′), Cardoso, Mncube (Malivha 83′)

Sundowns: Onyango, Johannes, Ndamane, Lunga (Modiba 81′), Adams, Reisinho, Morena (Mudau 81′), Mkhulise (Santos 58′), Sales (Shalulile 77′), Rayners (Matthews 58′), Leon