Mamelodi Sundowns got back to winning ways as they swept Sekhukhune United aside in the Betway Premiership match at Loftus Stadium on Saturday. 

In what was a tough seven days for the Brazilian after losing the Carling Knockout Cup final last weekend to Magesi FC and a draw against S Maniema in the first game of the CAF Champions League, Sundowns brushed that aside to bring the smile to Sundowns fans who were already worried.  

Trésor Tshibwabwa helped Sundowns’ cause, knocking the ball into his net in the first half. Arthur Sales scored the second in the second half for Sundowns from the penalty spot. It was a controversial penalty as Iqraam Rayners dived inside the box and referee Eugene Mdluli pointed to the spot kick.    

However, Rayners completed the win for Sundowns in the 89^th minute, taking advantage of slack Sekhukhune’s defense before placing the ball in the top corner.    

The Brazilians made five changes on Saturday to their team that started in their 0-0 draw against the Congolese side AS Maniema on Tuesday in the CAF Champions League.  

Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Bathusi Aubaas, Siphelele Mkhulise, and Rayners started the game replacing Thapelo Morena, Devine Lunga, Teboho Mokoena, Erwin Saavedra as well as Kabomelo Kodisang.  

In the first 20 minutes of the game, Sundowns were in control of the ball but Sekhukhune made sure that the home side didn’t get a goal. Manqoba Mngqithi’s side continued with their great display and fortunately, they got a goal in the 22nd minute.  

Aubrey Modiba crossed the ball in the six yards which forced the Congolese defender Tshibwabwa to score an own goal. After 30 minutes, Babina Noko almost equalized but Ronwen Williams proved why he is the captain as he saved it.  

In the 48th minute during the second half, Sekhukhune goalkeeper Al Badra Sangare appeared to have fouled Rayners in the box and Sundowns got a penalty. Sales stepped up to take the penalty, and fortunately, the Brazilian footballer scored his first goal in Sundown’s colors. Sales almost got a second goal in the 54th minute, but his shot was denied by the Ivorian goalkeeper Sangaré.  

Katlego Mkhabela got a clear chance in the 62nd minute, but Williams made a great save again to deny the visitors an opportunity to score the first goal. Mngqithi made his first sub in the 65th minute introducing Morena, Mothobi Mvala, and Mokoena in the spaces of Mudau, Grant Kekana, and Aubaas. Mokoena took a long-range shot in the 70th minute but unfortunately, his shot went wide. The former Sundowns striker Keletso Makgalwa got another chance in the 75th minute but Mvala and Mokoena denied him an opportunity to score. 

The win has seen Sundowns move to the top of the Betway Premiership with 21 points, level with Orlando Pirates, but they replaced the Soweto Giants having scored more goals.  However, Pirates have a chance to reclaim the top spot if they beat Stellenbosch on Sunday.