Allende Late Show Catapults Sundowns To The Top Of The Table

Marcelo Allende scored a late winner as Mamelodi Sundowns edged AmaZulu FC 1-0 in a Betway Premiership clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night to move to the top of the table.

Sundowns climbed to the summit on goal difference with 38 points from 17 matches, level with Orlando Pirates, who dropped to second place.

Miguel Cardoso’s men had to dig deep in Durban, as a resolute AmaZulu defence frustrated them for long periods. However, Sundowns’ quality eventually proved decisive.

The two sides entered the match on contrasting notes. Sundowns had suffered a 2-0 defeat to TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 on Saturday, while Usuthu advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Richards Bay FC.

Despite their cup setback, Sundowns drew confidence from their strong recent record against AmaZulu. They had won 2-0 in the reverse fixture in Pretoria and claimed victory in seven of their previous eight meetings in all competitions. AmaZulu’s last win over Sundowns came in December 2021 at Kings Park Stadium, when Augustine Mulenga scored the decisive goal under then-coach Benni McCarthy.

Knowing a win would take them to the top of the standings, Sundowns approached the match with clear intent. Cardoso restored several key players who had been rested against Galaxy, including Brayan León, who had scored in recent matches against MC Alger and Orlando Pirates.

As expected, Sundowns dominated possession, while AmaZulu looked to contain and strike on the counter-attack.

Khuliso Mudau’s replacement, Khulumane Ndamane, forced a save from Darren Johnson early on, with the AmaZulu goalkeeper parrying his effort away for a corner.

Sundowns suffered a setback around the half-hour mark when Thapelo Morena picked up a groin strain and was replaced by Nuno Santos. Morena walked off gingerly, clutching his groin as he headed to the bench.

AmaZulu nearly capitalised on the counter when Riaan Hanamub broke down the left and delivered a precise cross to Thando Ngwenya. However, the striker fired straight at Ronwen Williams, who made a crucial save. It was a missed opportunity, as Ngwenya’s effort lacked placement. He had also squandered a similar chance against Richards Bay over the weekend.

After the break, Sundowns increased the tempo and began to create more openings. Tsiki Ntsabeleng came close twice in quick succession, first pulling his shot wide and then dragging another effort off target, prompting Cardoso to react in disbelief on the touchline.

León later headed straight at Johnson, while Aubrey Modiba blazed over as AmaZulu continued to defend resolutely. Keegan Allan, Sandile Mthethwa and Taariq Fielies were outstanding at the back for the hosts, repeatedly throwing their bodies on the line.

Allende went close with a curling effort that struck the upright, signalling that the breakthrough was near.

The decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute when Allende struck from the edge of the box, finally beating Johnson to seal a hard-fought victory.

It was a display of championship mentality from Sundowns, who are chasing a ninth consecutive league title and once again demonstrated why they remain the benchmark in South African football.

Pic courtesy of Inja Ka Moya Snap