In a dramatic turn of events, Polokwane City secured a stunning 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

The match-winning goal came in the 83rd minute when Bulelani Ninkani flicked home a free-kick from Cole Alexander, leaving Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango helpless.

Sundowns, despite their dominance in recent seasons, struggled to impose themselves on the game, with numerous changes to their starting lineup affecting their rhythm. Polokwane City, on the other hand, defended resolutely and capitalized on their opportunities.

The result has significant implications for the Betway Premiership title race. Orlando Pirates, who defeated AmaZulu 2-1 on Friday, remain at the top of the table with a perfect record of five wins from five matches. Sundowns, meanwhile, slip to second place.

With the league season still in its early stages, the battle for the title promises to be intense, with several teams vying for top honors.

Sundowns started with a new team on Sunday as all players that started in their 2-1 win against Royal AM were dropped.  

Lucas Ribeiro missed this game due to suspension while Ronwen Williams left the country to attend the Yachine Trophy awards in France.  

For the first 15 minutes, it was Polokwane City who were all over the field. Rise and Shine got so many chances but Sundowns captain Dennis Onyango didn’t allow the opponent to score goals.  

Sundowns had their first chance in the 20th minute when Rushine De Ruck headed over the crossbar. Marcelo Allende is the one who crossed that ball to De Ruck with the hope that he would score. The home side started doing a great job again after 30 minutes as they had some chances.  

Unfortunately, Sundowns defenders made sure that Rise and Shine didn’t score. The first half ended by 0-0 as both teams failed to convert their chances.  

In the second half, the Brazilians made early changes where we saw Teboho Mokoena, Siphelele Mkhulise, and Arthur Sales being introduced.  

Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi substituted Marcelo Allende, Lebohang Maboe, and the youngster, Siyabonga Mabena. Both Allende and Maboe got yellow cards in the first half. In the 58th minute, the Brazilians suffered a blow as they were forced to make another sub.  

Tashreeq Matthews got an injury and was replaced by Kobamelo Kodisang. Both teams got so many chances during the second half but the wind was against them.  

Bafana Bafana right-back Thabang Matuludi almost scored from outside the box for Polokwane, but Onyango made a great save to deny Matuludi an opportunity to put his team ahead in the 73rd minute.  

The home side opened the scoring in the 83rd minute through their captain, Nikani, getting on the end of the free kick.   

Sundowns midfielder Mkhulise had a golden chance for Sundowns in the last minute but flashed it wide, with Polokwane coach Phuti Mohafe jumping for joy as his side nestled into the to eight and revenge against Sundowns, who they lost in the MTN8 quarter finals in August.

Polokwane scored for the first time in five years against Sundowns, who have won the league title for the seventh successive seasons.    

Article by Gabriel Hlakanyana