Mamelodi Sundowns reclaimed the top of the Betway Premiership log after a brace by Thabang Matuludi saw Masandawana ease past Durban City.
Miguel Cardoso made several changes compared to his selection which beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the Carling Knockout, with Saturday’s line-up looking closer to his preferred XI, with the likes of Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Bathusi Aubaas, Marcelo Allende, Nuno Santos, Tashreeq Matthews, Cassius Mailula and Brayan Leon all returning.
- ALSO READ: Kanalelo Opens Up On Emotional Sundowns Return
- Cardoso Sends Message to Leon After Indifferent form
Sundowns start the game with intent after Orlando Pirates had replaced them on top of the Betway Premiership log, with Frderick Asare denying Cassius Mailula with a fine save in the ninth minute.
Durban City had a decent chance to after 23 minutes when Ethan Brooks was set up inside the box but the former Bafana Bafana midfielder skied his attempt.
Sundowns almost scored in the 32nd minute via Thabang Matuludi, but Asari was able to push the ball around the post. However, the following corner found Matuludi unmarked and the Bafana defender opened the scoring with a powerful header.
Cardoso’s men remained in control of the match, with Durban struggling to trouble Ricardo Goss’ goal at all. Matuludi completed his first brace for Sundowns in the 66th minute, making it 2-0 with another fine header.
The Citizens could’ve pulled one back after Bokang Mokwena was played free just a minute later, but again a Durbanite skied his shot.
Siyanda Ndlovu almost made it 3-0 for Sundowns following a superb counter but Asare once again came up with a fine stop to deny the winger in the 71st minute.
Two minutes later, Matuludi almost completed a hat-trick but his shot bounced onto the ground and from there over the bar, with Asare again having a touch as well.
Second-half substitute Iqraam Rayners then got his name onto the scoresheet after a fine cross by Ndlovu found him in the 79th minute.
Jean Lwamba killed the Sundowns clean sheet with four minutes to spare after a fine touch and snapshot from inside the box.
Antonio Van Wyk restored Sundowns’ three-goal with a calm finish with literally the last kick of the game in the 94th minute.
The win saw Sundowns climb back to the top of the log with 26 points from 10 games, one ahead of Pirates, who have a game in hand.