Sundowns edge Gallants to reclaim top spot in Betway Prem

Mamelodi Sundowns ascended to the summit of the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night, securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory over a resilient Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The win moves the Brazilians to 50 points, leapfrogging Orlando Pirates to sit two points clear at the top of the table. Notably, this result marks a remarkable eighth consecutive league victory for the defending champions, underscoring their relentless momentum in the title race.

The encounter began with the Tshwane giants asserting dominance, forcing several early corners and testing Washington Arubi through Tashreeq Matthews and Arthur Sales. The pressure eventually told in the 31st minute, though in unfortunate fashion for the visitors, as Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya turned the ball into his own net to give Sundowns the lead.

Gallants, fighting for survival at the opposite end of the table, refused to crumble. Their persistence paid off late in the first half when Nuno Santos was penalised for a handball in the area. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo stepped up in the 40th minute and coolly converted the penalty into the bottom right corner, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.

Second Half Decider By Sundowns via Mokoena

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso looked to his bench at halftime, introducing Teboho Mokoena for Miguel Reisinho. The move proved inspired. In the 62nd minute, Mokoena finished a clinical fast break orchestrated by Arthur Sales, slotting a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner to restore the lead.

Despite a flurry of late tactical changes and attempts from Gallants—including a close-range effort from Msindisi Kunene that forced a save from Ronwen Williams—Sundowns held firm. The closing stages saw veteran Themba Zwane and Monnapule Saleng combine to keep the Gallants ‘ defence under pressure, ensuring the three points stayed in Pretoria.

Despite the late pressure from the visitors, it was not to be as the Brazilians’ defence remained disciplined. In fact, it was Sundowns who put the game beyond doubt in stoppage time, with Mokoena completing his brace to make it 3-1 and ensure the three points stayed in Pretoria.

The result leaves Sundowns in pole position with 50 points after 21 games, while Orlando Pirates trail closely behind on 48 points from the same number of fixtures. At the other end of the spectrum, Marumo Gallants remain in a precarious 14th position on 18 points, sitting just four points ahead of bottom-of-the-log Magesi FC.

Key Moment: Teboho Mokoena’s brace not only secured the win but highlighted Sundowns’ depth and ability to punish teams on the counter-attack when the game opens up.