Sundowns Narrow Gap to Sekhukhune with 3-1 Victory Over Durban City

Mamelodi Sundowns moved within one point of log leaders Sekhukhune United after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Durban City at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

The victory brings Sundowns’ total to 18 points after eight matches, just one point behind Sekhukhune, who secured a late win against Golden Arrows earlier in the day. Both Sekhukhune and Sundowns remain the only unbeaten teams in the league, though Sundowns have played a game more.

Khuliso Mudau made his first start of the season for Sundowns after reportedly resolving his contract issues with the club. It was his first start since the Club World Cup group stage match on June 25, although he had come off the bench in their midweek draw with Marumo Gallants.

Durban City, seeking their first victory against Sundowns since the 2012/13 season (when they were known as Maritzburg United), started the match perfectly. In the 12th minute, Haashim Domingo, a former Sundowns player, delivered a precise corner kick to Joslin Kamatuka, whose header gave the visitors a shock lead.

Sundowns responded nine minutes later through Marcelo Allende. He started the move from the back and followed up on a pass from Tashreeq Matthews, whose ball found the Chilean international. Allende fired a shot that took a deflection, wrong-footing goalkeeper Darren Keet to level the score at 1-1.

Aubrey Modiba nearly put Sundowns ahead with a cracking free kick in the 33rd minute, but his shot rattled the crossbar. Just three minutes later, Sundowns took the lead for good. Iqraam Rayners released Matthews, who calmly slotted the ball hard and low past Keet.

The action continued as City almost equalized, but Thabo Nodada shot over the bar. On the stroke of halftime, City was awarded a penalty after Malibongwe Khoza fouled Trevor Mokwena. Kamatuka had a chance for a brace, but Ronwen Williams made a brilliant diving save to his right, ensuring Sundowns held the lead at the break.

Rayners, who set up Matthews’ goal, got on the score sheet himself in the 66th minute. After Arthur Sales dispossessed Brooklyn Poggenpoel, the ball fell to Kutlwano Letlhaku, who found Rayners. The former Stellenbosch striker finished off the team goal to make it 3-1.

Durban City could not mount a comeback, and Sundowns secured another three points in their league title defense.