Mokoena’s late winner sends Mamelodi Sundowns three points clear at the top

Mamelodi Sundowns moved three points clear at the top of the league table after Teboho Mokoena’s late strike secured a 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.

The match appeared to be heading for a draw until Mokoena found the net three minutes from time, giving Sundowns all three points and moving them into first place.

Masandawana knew victory would put them three points ahead of Orlando Pirates, who were due to play a CAF Champions League first preliminary round match on Sunday afternoon.

The fixture came only seven days after the two sides met at the same stadium in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals. Both coaches selected the same starting line-ups for the league meeting.

Sundowns began with greater purpose, while Golden Arrows adopted a cautious approach. Abafana Bes’thende sat deep, looking to absorb pressure and threaten on the counter-attack.

That plan was undone in the 14th minute when Sundowns took the lead. Siyanda Ndlovu opened his account against his former club with a composed finish from inside the penalty area, capitalising on poor defending by Arrows.

Sundowns continued to control the game after going ahead, while Arrows found it difficult to create opportunities in attack. The home side did threaten towards the end of the first half, but could not convert its chances, leaving Sundowns with a narrow advantage at the interval.

Arrows improved after the break and began to apply sustained pressure as they searched for an equaliser. Their efforts eventually paid off 15 minutes before the end of the match.

Junior Dion restored parity after being found by Thokozani Khumalo, making the score 1-1 and giving Arrows renewed momentum.

The hosts then had chances to complete the turnaround, but their decision-making in the final third let them down. Those missed opportunities proved costly when Sundowns regained the lead late in the match.

Mokoena was allowed space just outside the box and took advantage with a spectacular finish, sending the ball past the Arrows defence and restoring Sundowns’ advantage with only three minutes remaining.

That goal proved decisive as the Brazilians held on to claim victory and strengthen their position at the top of the table.

A few minutes before kick-off, Sundowns also announced the signing of Deano van Rooyen on a free transfer. The 29-year-old left Pirates last month after the two parties mutually agreed to end their association.

Van Rooyen has now joined the Brazilians as Sundowns added to their squad on the same day they secured an important league win.