Mamelodi Sundowns were made to work hard for their latest Betway Premiership win this week after recording a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday night.
After taking the lead in the 30th minute, Sundowns nervously went into the halftime break after Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo converted from the spot shortly before the recess.
However, Downs showcased character and broke the stubborn Gallants' backline with decisive goals from Teboho Mokoena in the 62nd minute, before the experienced midfielder capped off his brace during stoppage time.
Teboho Mokoena's brace sends Mamelodi Sundowns to the top of the table 🟡🔝#BetwayPrem | #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/nCGMm6iYn8
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Sundowns showcased their attacking intent from the first whistle, as seen with long-range attempts by Arthur Sales and Tashreeq Matthews inside the first five minutes.
Nuno Santos conjured up the first notable scoring chance of the match after he met Fawaaz Basadien’s cross from a corner with a header that went narrowly wide in the seventh minute.
The Brazilians dominated the counter midway through the first half and saw up to 84 per cent of the ball as they probed in search of the opener.
Meanwhile Gallants battled to progress up the pitch as a result of Sundowns' persistent pressure on the ball.
CLINICAL FINISH
Downs managed to take the lead moments after the half-hour mark through Keanu Cupido, who guided home a headed effort following a set-piece swung in by Marcelo Allende.
Then, in a moment that stunned fans at the Loftus, Santos conceded a handball in his own area, warranting the referee to point to the spot in the 38th minute.
In stepping up to the spot, Ndlondlo made no mistake as the ball whistled past Ronwen Williams in goal.
Following a swift end to the first half, Downs came out fighting at the restart with Sales and Matthews once again testing the opposition goalkeeper from outside the 18-yard-area.
The Tshwane-side immediately got into their passing rhythm and swarmed the Gallants backline in search of the lead.
Masandawana don't waste time on the counter 😤👆
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 17, 2026
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Sundowns then took the lead shortly after the hour-mark after second-half substitute Mokoena capped off a swift counter-attacking move with a clinical right-footed effort to the bottom left-corner of the goal.
Gallants found the going tough under Sundowns’ relentless attacking pursuits throughout the second half and created few notable scoring chances at the other end of the pitch leading up to the 75th minute mark.
Sundowns remained on the attack as the clock ticked down at Loftus, with Themba Zwane and Iqraam Rayners stacking up the chances created statistics.
The reigning league champions eventually got their insurance goal deep into stoppage time, with Mokoena capping off his double through an effort from outside the box after he was found by Rayners en-route to goal.
With maximum points in the bag, Downs thus moved to the top of the pile on 50 points, two points ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates.
Mamelodi Sundowns: (1) 3 (Cupido 31’, Mokoena 62’ 93’)
Marumo Gallants: (1) 1 (Ndlondlo 40’)
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Basadien, Cupido, Johannes, Mdunyelwa (Saleng 59’), Allende, Santos, Reisinho (Mokoena 46’), Leon (Rayners 59’), Matthews (Zwane 77’), Sales (Kekana 69’)
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Ncube, Sikhosana, Agnikoi, Ndlovu (Dhludhlu 79’), Manaka (Nhlapo 79’), Doumbia, Mabuza, Ntiya-Ntiya, Marou (K.Sithole 85’), Ndlondlo