Title Race Drama! Allende Stunner And Mothiba Penalty Miss As Sundowns Reclaim Summit
Marcelo Allende’s second-half strike proved decisive as Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Polokwane City at Seshego Stadium on Wednesday, returning to the top of the Betway Premiership standings.
Allende fired a low, driven shot from the edge of the box to break down a stubborn Polokwane side, lifting Sundowns to 61 points after 26 matches—one point ahead of Orlando Pirates.
Sundowns came into the match after stumbling in their previous two fixtures, drawing against Stellenbosch and Richards Bay.
The latter result was particularly costly, as it denied them the chance to reclaim top spot after Pirates had been held by Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium.
As a result, Sundowns remained second on 59 points after 25 matches, one behind Pirates, albeit with a game in hand.
Wednesday’s match was played at Seshego Stadium rather than Polokwane City’s usual home venues—the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium and Peter Mokaba Stadium—for unspecified reasons.
This meant both teams had to adapt to unfamiliar conditions, including a smaller pitch that limited Sundowns’ typically expansive style of play.
Instead, the visitors relied on short passing combinations to try to unlock a resilient Polokwane defence.
Sundowns started brightly, pressing high and preventing Polokwane from settling into the game.
Despite their dominance, the breakthrough did not come in the first half, which ended goalless.
The intensity continued after the break, with both sides pushing forward in search of a goal.
Themba Zwane, restored to the starting line-up, played Iqraam Rayners through on goal, but goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula produced an excellent save.
The decisive moment arrived in the 62nd minute when Allende struck from a layoff by Lebo Mothiba—his first meaningful involvement after coming on for Peter Shalulile.
Sundowns had a chance to double their lead in the 73rd minute when they were awarded a penalty after Khulumane Ndamane was fouled in the box by Bonginkosi Dlamini.
However, Mothiba’s attempted Panenka down the middle was saved by Mathebula, leaving the Sundowns bench in disbelief as they missed an opportunity to put the game beyond reach.
Polokwane, known as Rise and Shine, grew into the contest thereafter, delivering dangerous balls into the box, but Sundowns managed to deal with the pressure.
Teboho Mokoena also came close to doubling the lead with a powerful free-kick that went just wide.
The victory ended Sundowns’ two-match winless run and set up a thrilling conclusion to the title race with Pirates, with four games remaining.
The two sides are set to meet again in Pretoria on Sunday in what promises to be a decisive encounter.
