Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a hard-fought 1-0 Betway Premiership victory over AmaZulu FC at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night.
The victory elevated Masandawana to the top of the standings on goals scored as they are level on points with second-placed Orlando Pirates.
The champions will be looking to consolidate their lead at the top when they play host to Sekhukhune United on Sunday.
Usuthu, on the other hand, missed the chance to move up to third place in the standings as they remained fifth after losing at home.
Coach Arthur Zwane's side will be determined to avoid a third consecutive league defeat when they take on Stellenbosch FC away on Friday.
Although Usuthu effectively limited Masandawana to long-range efforts, goalkeeper Darren Johnson produced a smart save to deny Khulumani Ndamane in the 19th minute, which was one of the visitors' few first-half chances.
AmaZulu looked to exploit counters against Sundowns, with their best first-half chance seeing goalkeeper Ronwen Williams brilliantly deny Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya from point-blank range.
The score was locked at 0-0 at halftime in Durban.
The second half saw Brayan León looking lively for Sundowns, but the Colombian striker was twice denied by Johnson — in the 47th minute and again in the 70th minute.
Pressure mounted on AmaZulu with coach Miguel Cardoso having introduced Marcelo Allende.
Johnson was finally beaten in the 84th minute after frustrating the visitors. Marcelo Allende proved to be a super-sub as the former Chile under-20 captain netted his second league goal of the season to seal Sundowns' 1-0 win over AmaZulu.
Impact off the bench 🤩💥
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) February 24, 2026
Seven minutes on the pitch and Marcelo Allende strikes 👆🟡
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/BerQZQZj74
AmaZulu 0
Sundowns (0) 1 (Allende 84')
AmaZulu: Johnson, Allan, Fielies, Mthethwa, Radebe, Slatsha (Mbanjwa 65'), Bern, Hanamub, Maqokolo, Ekstein (Thabede 65'), Ngwenya (Kambindu 88').
Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Ndamane, Modiba, Mokoena, Adams, Morena (Santos 33'), Ntsabeleng (Allende 75'), Matthews (Rayners 68'), León (Mothiba 75').