DStv Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning way as they beat Royal AM 3-2 at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Sundowns remain unbeaten after 14 games, with ten wins and four draws.
It was a first ever meeting between Sundowns and Royal AM in competitive football.
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 Royal AM
Thabiso Kutumela put the home team into the lead in just the sixth minute. volleying in from close range.
Mzwanele Mahashe’s attempt in the 16th minute was off target, while at the other end Neo Maema forced a saved out of Patrick Nyame with a good long range attempt in the 21st minute. Maema was off target three minutes later with another attempt from outside the box.
Kennedy Mweene made a good save in the 26th minute, denying Tebogo Potsane from close range. Five minutes later Potsane had the ball in the back of the net, but he was off-side.
Ndumiso Mabena had a good chance in the 36th minute, but Rushine De Reuck made a telling block to deny the Royal AM captain. Mabena had another chance in the 45th minute, but this time Mweene made the save, and at half-time, Kutumela’s goal remained the difference.
Peter Shalulile went narrowly wide in the 51st minute, while at the other end Potsane was off target five minutes later.
However Shalulile was not to be denied in the 65th minute, as he was on hand to tap in Thapelo Morena’s square ball.
And it was 3-0 in the 72nd minute, as Shalulile got his second in the game, finishing off a move that started in Sundowns’ box. Assisted by Aubrey Modiba. Two minutes later Shalulile struck the crossbar.
Royal AM pulled one back in the 81st minute, with Victor Letsoalo, who had come off the bench. blasting in from close range.
Substitute Gaston Sirino went wide in the 84th minute, but Royal AM set up an interesting finish, as they were awarded a soft penalty in the 89th minute, with Rushine De Reuck adjudged to have handled the ball.
Letsoalo stepped up to take the kick, and and sent Mweene the wrong way for his eighth goal of the season.
Mweene made a great save in stoppage time to deny Letsoalo a hat trick, and Sundowns held on for the three points.
