Teboho Mokoena’s late winner keeps Mamelodi Sundowns top

Mamelodi Sundowns moved three points clear of Orlando Pirates at the top of the Betway Premiership after Teboho Mokoena scored in the 88th minute to secure a 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.

Sundowns appeared set to drop points in Umlazi after Golden Arrows recovered from an early setback and equalised with 14 minutes of normal time remaining. But Mokoena’s late strike settled a closely contested match and preserved the defending champions’ position at the summit.

Siyanda Ndlovu gave the visitors the lead in the 14th minute, putting Mamelodi Sundowns in front before Golden Arrows had fully settled into the match. The hosts refused to be overrun, however, and continued to threaten in attack while making it difficult for the league leaders to establish control.

Golden Arrows’ pressure eventually brought a reward in the 76th minute, when Junior Dion scored to make it 1-1. The equaliser lifted the home side and raised the prospect of a valuable point against the champions.

Sundowns responded by increasing their efforts in search of a winner. Their persistence finally paid off two minutes before the end of normal time, when Mokoena found the decisive finish to send the visitors back to Pretoria with all three points.

The result was another narrow victory for Sundowns in a fixture that Golden Arrows had made highly competitive. Arrows had also pushed the champions hard in their recent MTN8 meetings, and once again came close to taking something from the contest.

Golden Arrows had threatened to frustrate Sundowns for long periods, but the visitors showed the quality required to decide the match when the opportunity arrived. Ndlovu’s first-half goal gave them an early advantage, while Mokoena’s late intervention ensured that Dion’s equaliser did not change the outcome.

The victory strengthens Mamelodi Sundowns’ position at the top of the Betway Premiership, with Orlando Pirates now three points behind. The champions will next focus on extending their advantage when they face Siwelele FC in midweek.

Golden Arrows FC will have a full week to rest and recover before their own meeting with Siwelele FC on Sunday. The club will also have time to assess the defeat and prepare for another league fixture after coming within minutes of earning a point against the leaders.

Siyanda Ndlovu of Mamelodi Sundowns and Eroine Agnikoi of Golden Arrows FC competed for possession during the Betway Premiership match at King Zwelithini Stadium.