Mamelodi Sundowns take 2-0 half-time lead over AmaZulu

Mamelodi Sundowns led AmaZulu FC 2-0 at half-time in their Betway Premiership match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening, with Brayan Leon and returning midfielder Teboho Mokoena on target.

Leon opened the scoring after Sundowns began to find their rhythm beyond the 20-minute mark. The forward produced a composed finish from just outside the penalty area to claim his second league goal of the campaign.

Mokoena then marked his return to the starting XI in outstanding fashion, doubling the advantage 12 minutes later with a superb free-kick from about 20 yards. His effort found the top corner, leaving AmaZulu goalkeeper Wilfried Kouassi with no chance.

The Brazilians had been encouraged by Mokoena’s return, with the midfielder featuring for the first time since Sundowns’ opening game of the season. Siyanda Ndlovu also retained his place in Miguel Cardoso’s starting line-up.

Sundowns were looking to respond after their defeat by Golden Arrows at the weekend, but AmaZulu almost made the stronger start at Loftus Versfeld. Cassius Mailula struck a powerful effort that forced Kouassi into an excellent save.

That warning did not prevent Sundowns from taking control of the contest as the first half progressed. Leon’s finish gave the home side the breakthrough before Mokoena’s set-piece established a two-goal cushion.

The match is part of the Betway Premiership programme on 26 August 2026.

Mamelodi Sundowns started with 30. Williams in goal, behind a defence of 27. Morena, 42. Khoza, 20. Kekana and 23. Basadien. Mokoena played alongside 21. Mkhulise in midfield, with 38. Ndlovu, 17. Matthews, 33. Mailula and 12. Leon completing the line-up.

Their substitutes were 1. Goss, 3. Ndamane, 6. Modiba, 46. B. Mokoena, 13. Rayners, 11. Allende, 18. Zwane, 28. Mdunyelwa and 43. Lethlaku.

AmaZulu named 24. Kouassi as goalkeeper, with 14. Radebe, 42. Mthethwa, 12. Fielies, 4. Hanamub and 3. Mdaka in defence. Their midfield and attacking selections were 17. Bern, 19. Zikhali, 23. Ngwenya, 2. Maqokolo and 15. Mbanjwa.

AmaZulu’s substitutes were 1. Mzimela, 33. Phillips, 5. Allan, 50. Mhlongo, 6. Hlangabeza, 38. Moralo, 11. Sithole, 18. Mokoena and 21. Matlhoko.

At the interval, Sundowns had the advantage after two moments of quality: Leon’s precise finish from open play and Mokoena’s impressive free-kick on his return to the side.