Sundowns break Sekhukhune’s resistance with dramatic late win

by nikita.m

Mamelodi Sundowns had to dig far deeper than they expected at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, but two stoppage-time goals eventually broke Sekhukhune United’s stubborn resistance and delivered a 2-0 victory that keeps the champions nudging ahead in the Betway Premiership title race.

For supporters who braved the Polokwane heat on a Tuesday night, it felt like one of those tense, old-school Premiership clashes where the breakthrough just refuses to come. Sundowns now sit three points clear at the top, although Orlando Pirates’ two games in hand keep the race fascinating.

A reshuffled Sundowns struggle to find rhythm

Head coach Miguel Cardoso made sweeping changes to the side that faced Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League, with only Arthur Sales keeping his spot. It was a fresh-looking XI, but one that struggled to click in the early exchanges.

The visitors’ disjointed start allowed Sekhukhune to settle quickly, and Iqraam Rayners almost punished them when he flashed a shot across the face of goal. It was a moment that reminded Sundowns that Babina Noko are no pushovers at home.

Chances come, but goals stay elusive

Sundowns slowly warmed into the match, with Brayan Leon forcing Renaldo Leaner into a sharp point-blank save. But too often, promising buildups fizzled out in the final third, mirroring a broader pattern of Sundowns having to grind out results in recent weeks.

Sensing the need for new energy, Cardoso turned to his bench and introduced Tashreeq Matthews and Nuno Santos. The pair immediately injected urgency, and Matthews came closest when Leaner stretched to palm away a powerful attempt.

A late surge changes everything

Just when it felt like the match was heading toward a frustrating stalemate, Sundowns found their breakthrough in the first minute of added time. Khuliso Mudau burst down the right flank with trademark determination and squared a neat ball to Nuno Santos, who calmly picked out the bottom corner.

That goal finally cracked Sekhukhune’s wall, and moments later Leon sealed the win. Leaner saved Peter Shalulile’s initial effort, but the rebound sat up kindly for Leon, who nodded it home to wrap up a dramatic finish.

What the result means for the table

Sekhukhune, who remain fifth, will feel hard done after holding firm for so long. Their position looks less comfortable though, with three extra matches played compared to Orlando Pirates and still a three-point gap to second place.

For Sundowns, the win may not have been the polished performance they envisioned, but it carries the hallmark of champions. Grinding out points on difficult nights has kept them at the summit for years, and Tuesday evening was another reminder of that resilience.

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Source: SABC Sport
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