Mokoena’s late winner earns Sundowns victory over Golden Arrows

Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 2-1 win against Golden Arrows in a closely contested Betway Premiership match at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, with Teboho Mokoena’s long-range strike in the 88th minute settling the game.

The result looked set to be a draw after Golden Arrows had recovered from falling behind, but the Bafana Bafana talisman found the decisive moment late on to give Sundowns all three points in Umlazi D-Section, Durban.

Sundowns started with considerable attacking intent. Thapelo Morena had the first opportunity of the match in the second minute, although he lifted his effort over the crossbar. Five minutes later, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was called into action at the other end, reacting quickly to keep out a low shot.

The visitors took the lead in the 14th minute through Siyanda Ndlovu, who was facing his former club. Ndlovu scored his first goal for his new side by squeezing a finish in from a tight angle after Tashreeq Matthews delivered a low, driven cross.

Matthews remained a constant threat to the Golden Arrows defence and tested goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa again shortly after the half-hour mark. Arrows, however, came close to an equaliser just before the interval when Ayabulela Maxwele forced Williams to parry his effort behind for a corner.

Colombian striker Brayan Leon created Sundowns’ first major opening after the restart. In the 50th minute, he found space but directed his shot straight at Mbanjwa.

That opportunity came shortly before Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso made a triple substitution as his side looked to regain control of the contest.

Golden Arrows continued to compete and were rewarded in the 76th minute. Sede Junior Dion capitalised on a lapse in concentration in the Sundowns defence to level the match. It was Dion’s third goal in three appearances against the Tshwane club this season.

Neither side appeared able to find a winning goal during the closing stages, with the match moving towards a draw. Mokoena changed that in the 88th minute, striking from distance to give Sundowns a late lead and leave Arrows with no time to respond.

The victory keeps Ka Bo Yellow second in the league standings, behind Orlando Pirates. Sundowns remain in that position because of an inferior goal difference.

Golden Arrows, meanwhile, drop into or remain in eighth place in the table following the defeat. Despite Dion’s equaliser and a determined second-half performance, the home side could not hold on for a point after Mokoena’s late intervention.