Sundowns edge Arrows to reclaim top spot

Mamelodi Sundowns made it two wins in a row in the DStv Premiership when they edged out Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-1 at the ABSA Tuks Stadium on Saturday night.

Therefore, Masandawana climbed up to the top of the league standings - two points above second-placed Orlando Pirates and the defending champions are now set to face off with AmaZulu FC at home on 18 September.

Defeat left Abafana Bes'thende in 12th spot on the standings as their four-match unbeaten run came to an end and they will look to bounce back to winning ways when they host Swallows FC on 17 September.

Abafana Bes'thende started the match well as they were able to contain an attack-minded Masandawana side and they threatened through Velemseni Ndwandwe.

The midfielder-cum-striker unleashed a shot which was saved by a well-positioned goalkeeper Ronwen Williams who had kept a clean sheet in Sundowns' 1-0 win over Chippa United in midweek.

The Tshwane giants upped the tempo after the half-hour mark with Peter Shalulile looking lively and the hosts were awarded a penalty after the Namibian hitman was fouled in the visitors' box by goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede.

Shalulile dusted himself down to convert from the spot in the 44th minute to make it 1-0 to Sundowns heading into the half-time break.

Arrows came back rejuvenated after the restart using a lot of wing play and they managed to level matters through the in-form Pule Mmodi..

The speedy attacker's cross-cum-shot from the left beat Williams to make it 1-1 in the 49th minute and it was his third goal in as many matches for Abafana Bes'thende.

However, parity was only restored for 10 minutes as Siyavuya Ndlovu netted an unfortunate own-goal to make it 2-1 to Sundowns.

The 26-year-old defender attempted to block eventual Man of the Match Themba Zwane's cross, but he directed the ball towards goal - beating Gumede hands down, much to the delight of the Masandawana fans inside the stadium.

Arrows introduced former Kaizer Chiefs striker Ryan Moon as they looked to snatch a late equaliser and Sundowns responded by bringing in defender Grant Kekana. Sundowns emerged as 2-1 winners after containing their visitors on the night.

Sundowns (1) 2 9Shalulile 44', Ndlovu 59')
Arrows (0) 1 (Mmodi 49')

Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Ngobeni (Lakay 76'), De Reuck, Mvala, Jali, Mkhulise (Saavedra 61'), Mbule (Mbule 61'), Zwane (Kekana 86'), Allende (Mokoena 61'), Shalulile

Arrows: Gumede, Nxadi, Zuke, Lunga, Ndlovu (Magawana 75'), Dube (Moon 87'), Dlamini, Mmodi, Sibiya, Ndwandwe, Mutizwa.