Mamelodi Sundowns lead Marumo Gallants as Khuliso Mudau suffers injury

Mamelodi Sundowns led Marumo Gallants 1-0 at half-time in the Betway Premiership at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 19 August 2026, but their advantage was overshadowed by a serious injury concern for defender Khuliso Mudau.

Mudau was carried off on a stretcher about 10 minutes before the interval after taking a knock earlier in the first half. Zuko Mdunyelwa replaced him at right-back, leaving Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso to wait for an assessment of one of his key players.

Sundowns already have Teboho Mokoena and Arthur Sales on their injury list ahead of their MTN8 semi-final against Golden Arrows at the weekend. The loss of Mudau would give Cardoso another selection problem before that important fixture.

The home side took the lead in the 21st minute from a corner. Marumo Gallants failed to clear Fawaaz Basadien’s delivery, allowing Malibongwe Khoza to score his first goal for the club with a close-range volley.

Khoza had been brought into the starting line-up alongside Grant Kekana, with Kegan Johannes dropping out of the central defensive pairing. In attack, Cassius Mailula was rewarded with his first start of the season after coming off the bench to score Sundowns’ equaliser against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

Marumo Gallants made a midfield adjustment after conceding three goals against Stellenbosch last Friday. Edgar Manaka was added to the starting XI to provide extra support in the centre and help deal with Sundowns’ early control.

That change restricted the hosts to attempts from distance during the opening stages, although Sundowns eventually found a route through a set-piece. The goal also offered some reward after the side had struggled to defend dead-ball situations in their first two matches.

Sundowns’ half-time lead came despite the disruption caused by Mudau’s injury, with Mdunyelwa now occupying the right-back position for the second half.

Starting line-ups

Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 25. Mudau, 42. Khoza, 20. Kekana, 23. Basadien, 46. Mokoena, 11. Allende, 15. Aubaas, 17. Matthews, 33. Mailula, 12. Leon.

Substitutes: 31. Goss, 40. Mvala, 6. Modiba, 38. Ndlovu, 13. Rayners, 21. Mkhulise, 18. Zwane, 28. Mdunyelwa, 43. Letlhaku.

Marumo Gallants: 30. Lako, 22. Rikhotso, 24. Madiba, 44. Sikhakane, 13. Ncube, 8. Luthuli, 10. Ndlondlo, 5. Manaka, 4. Mabuza, 18. Kunene, 12. Otladisa.

Substitutes: 16. Mblambo, 10. Mphambaniso, 35. Sikhosana, 40. Lukhele, 11. Dhludhlu, 29. Button, 9. Moletshe, 23. Marebane, 21. Mkhwanazi.