Sundowns snatch victory at the death against Sekhukhune

Mamelodi Sundowns snatched victory from the jaws of a stalemate with a stoppage-time blitz against Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday night.

After appearing destined for a goalless draw, the defending champions displayed resilience by finding the back of the net twice in just 120 seconds of added time. This late double-salvo effectively broke Sekhukhune’s disciplined defensive block and secured a vital three points in Sundowns’ Betway Premiership campaign.

For 90 minutes, Babina Noko appeared to have executed the perfect defensive blueprint. Led by the heroics of goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, who produced a string of vital saves to deny the likes of Tashreeq Matthews and Brayan Léon, Sekhukhune looked set to claim a hard-earned point.

The Leaner Wall Against Sundowns

The first half was a narrative of Sundowns’ dominance met by Sekhukhune’s resilience. Iqraam Rayners and Brayan Léon both saw goalbound efforts parried away by Leaner just before the interval. Sekhukhune’s tactical discipline remained intact despite an early blow when Tsepo Matsimbi was forced off with an injury in the 10th minute, replaced by Trésor Yamba.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Sundowns manager Manqoba Mngqithi rang the changes in the 58th minute, introducing Nuno Santos and Tashreeq Matthews to inject fresh energy. However, as the clock hit the 80th minute and Peter Shalulile missed a close-range header, it seemed the Brazilians would endure a frustrating night in Polokwane.

A 120-Second Blitz

Just as the fourth official signalled the end of regulation time, the game exploded into life.

90+1’ minute saw the breakthrough. After relentless pressure, substitute Khuliso Mudau found space to feed Nuno Santos outside the box. The Portuguese midfielder unleashed a precise right-footed strike into the bottom right corner, finally shattering the deadlock.

Two minutes later, with Sekhukhune reeling and pushing bodies forward, Sundowns struck again. Mudau was once more the architect, crossing for Brayan Léon, who rose highest in the centre of the box to loop a header into the corner, sealing the three points.

The result keeps Sundowns firmly at the summit of the Betway Premiership with 32 points, while Sekhukhune United remains in 5th place, left to rue a defensive effort that fell just three minutes short of a masterpiece.

And with the win, Sundowns have moved three points ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates. The pressure now shifts to the Buccaneers, who must capitalise on their two games in hand to close the gap.

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