Mamelodi Sundowns continued their impressive start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
As the score was tied at 1-1 with just minutes left on the clock, Downs veteran Teboho Mokoena unleashed a thunderous strike in the 88th minute that left Thakasani Mbanjwa rattled between the sticks.
Sundowns had the first sight at goal when Thapelo Morena progressed and found himself in an inviting position to shoot from range. While Morena’s attempt went wide, Arrows sat back and absorbed the early pressure.
Ronwen Williams was summoned into action soon thereafter as Sede Dion took a shot from range that the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper grasped.
With Sundowns kicking into gear, the reigning CAF Champions League winners took the lead in the 14th minute after Tashreeq Matthews made way down the left flank before finding Siyanda Ndlovu with a low cross toward the far post, which the latter scored from an acute angle.
Apart from Williams being called into duty shortly before the break, Arrows did little to trouble the Sundowns backline as the Brazilians went into the break with their lead intact,
Downs threatened immediately after the restart with attempts by Brayan Leon and Ndlovu who were eager to extend their side’s lead. Sundowns controlled most of the ball throughout the second half as Arrows often found themselves on the back foot.
The KwaZulu-Natal side levelled matters in the 76th minute following a positive spell on the ball with Dion getting his name on the scoresheet. Moments after Sabelo Sithole forced a save out of Williams, Arrows swiftly moved upfield as Dion was on hand to slot a right-footed shot from the left side of the six-yard area after being picked out by Phulani Kumalo.
Not resting, Downs retook the lead in the 88th minute through Teboho Mokoena who added yet another stunner to his impressive goal tally. After pressing forward, Arrows cleared the ball straight into the midfielder’s path, who subsequently let off a powerful curling effort toward the centre of the goal.
With Sundowns collecting maximum points, the Brazilians have now recorded their fourth straight win in the league while Arrows suffered their first loss of the season.
Golden Arrows: (0) 1 (Dion 76’)
Mamelodi Sundowns: (1) 2 (Ndlovu 14’, Mokoena 88’)
Golden Arrows: Mbanjwa, Maluleka, Mantshiyane, Agnikoi, Shezi, Zwane, Dlamini (Van Rooi 91’), Maxwele, Gasa (Khumalo 63’), van Neel (Sithole 63’), Dion (Khumalo 89’)
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Morena, Kekana (Khoza 46’), Ndamane, Basadien (Modiba 67’), Mokoena, Ndlovu, Mailula (Mkhulise 67’), Allende, Matthews (van Wyk 67’), Leon (Rayners 77’)