Mamelodi Sundowns edged out a gallant Stellenbosch side in a Betway Premiership match at DHL Stadium on Wednesday.

Iqraam Rayners haunted his former club, scoring the game’s only goal in the first half. Notably, he refrained from celebrating out of respect for his previous team.

Sundowns moved three points clear at the top of the table, surpassing Orlando Pirates with 24 points from nine matches (one more game played over second place Pirates).

This victory provided sweet revenge for Sundowns, who had lost both legs of the MTN8 semi-final earlier this season under coach Manqoba Mngqithi. This was the fifth meeting between the two sides this year, with each team winning twice prior to this match.

Sundowns played without their star goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, who was still on his way back from his trip to Morocco. Williams was named CAF Goalkeeper of the Year and CAF Inter-Club Player of the Year but missed out on the CAF Player of the Year award, which went to Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, on Monday.  

In Williams’ absence, veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango was reinstated between the posts for Sundowns.

This was also the first league game for new Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso. He had previously led the team to a victory over Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League on Sunday, having replaced Mngqithi the previous weekend.  

Sundowns had the first significant chance of the game when Lucas Ribeiro Costa played a defense-splitting pass to release Iqraam Rayners, but Sage Stephens made an excellent save to deny his former teammate.

However, Rayners eventually broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. Kobamelo Kodisang set up the goal with a clever pass, and Rayners rounded Stephens before slotting the ball into the empty net. Despite the celebration, Rayners showed respect for his former club by not celebrating.

Shortly after, Sundowns suffered a setback as Marcelo Allende pulled a muscle and was replaced by Neo Maema.

Despite this, Sundowns dominated the remainder of the half. Rayners continued to pose a threat, and Costa had a good chance to extend the lead but his shot went wide.

On the stroke of halftime, Costa had another opportunity to double Sundowns’ advantage, but he failed to convert from close range.

Early in the second half, Kodisang almost scored a second goal for Sundowns, but his curling effort went wide. Aubrey Modiba also came close, hitting the crossbar with a shot.

Sundowns nearly gifted Stellenbosch an equalizer when Maema’s back pass was intercepted by Jayden Adams, but Onyango made a crucial save to deny Devin Titus.

Stellenbosch responded by piling forward, putting pressure on Sundowns. Titus had another chance to score, but Onyango pulled off another impressive save.

In the final stages, Sanele Barns’ cross almost found Titus, but Onyango was alert to the danger.

Sundowns held on to secure the victory and move three points clear at the top of the Betway Premiership table.