By 
Mamelodi Sundowns produced a commanding performance at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening, easing past Marumo Gallants 2-0 in their catch-up fixture to join Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the top of the Betway Premiership table.
The victory moves the defending champions onto seven points alongside their Soweto rivals, while Bahlabane ba Ntwa remain winless after three matches, anchoring the bottom of the standings.
Sundowns set the tempo early, controlling possession before breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute. A well-worked corner routine allowed Bathusi Aubaas to head the ball into the danger zone, where defender Malibongwe Khoza pounced to turn it home, despite a desperate goal-line attempt from the Gallants defence.
The dominant display was dampened late in the first half when Bafana Bafana right-back Khuliso Mudau was stretchered off in the 38th minute with a suspected Achilles injury, replaced by Zuko Mdunyelwa.
The hosts pushed for a second shortly after the restart. Bennet Mokoena released Cassius Mailula five minutes into the second half, but a heavy first touch from the forward allowed Sibusiso Ncube time to recover and clear the danger.
Seeking fresh energy, Sundowns introduced a triple substitution past the hour mark, sending on Themba Zwane, Siyanda Ndlovu, and Aubrey Modiba. The move paid immediate dividends in attack. In the 66th minute, Ndlovu sliced open the Gallants defence to set up Zwane, though the veteran midfielder squandered the opportunity.
Two minutes later, Sundowns secured the points. Brayan Leon turned provider for Mailula, who maintained his fine scoring form by drilling a precise left-footed strike into the net from just inside the penalty area.
The result leaves Marumo Gallants with plenty to address before hosting TS Galaxy next Tuesday, 25 August, while Sundowns turn their attention to welcoming AmaZulu FC to Loftus Versfeld the following evening.
Match Details & Lineups
- Score: Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 2 (Khoza 21’, Mailula 68’) – Marumo Gallants 0
- Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau (Mdunyelwa 38’), Khoza, Kekana, Basadien (Modiba 62’), Aubaas, Allende, Matthews (Zwane 62’), B. Mokoena (Ndlovu 62’), Mailula (Letlhaku 76’), Leon.
- Marumo Gallants: Lako, Rikhotso, Mabuza (Marebane 72’), Luthuli (Button 56’), Kunene (Dhludhlu 72’), Madiba, Sikakane, Ncube, Ndlondlo, Manaka, Otladisa (Mkhwanazi 87’).
