Mamelodi Sundowns moved 18 points clear of Orlando Pirates after defeating AmaZulu FC 2-0 on Tuesday night.
Betway Premiership
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 AmaZulu
Date: 11 March 2025
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso was able to recall goalkeeper Ronwen Williams for the first time since the loss to TS Galaxy back in February, while Usuthu were boosted by the return of Rian Hanamub from suspension.
The Brazilians had full week to prepare for the encounter as their Nedbank Cup quarter-final over the weekend was postponed du to a double booking at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Cardoso's charges started taking more of the possession as the first half went on but they were restricted to efforts from distance, with Teboho Mokoena going closest after 28 minutes.
That proved to be the trend for the remainder of the period, as Sundowns were unable to carve out another chance while Williams was largely untested on his return to the action throughout the opening 45 minutes.
The Brazilians, however, only needed six minutes into the second half to get the opening goal as Shalulile found the back of the net and also brought up his 100th goal for the club.
Cardoso's charges continued to push for more goal as Lucas Suarez saw his towering header saved by Usuthu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, while substitute Arthur Sales tried his luck from the edge of the box but ended up firing over the crossbar.
Arthur Zwane's charges looked to get back on level terms with nine minutes left on the clock as Nkosikhona Radebe did well to pick out Rowan Human on the edge of the area, but the midfielder sent his effort wide of the mark.
Sundowns ended any hopes of a AmaZulu comeback when Sales doubled the lead in the final two minutes after being set up by Lucas Costa Ribeiro.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 4. Mokoena, 20. Kekana, 32. Suarez, 6. Modiba, 10. Ribeiro, 29. Lunga, 25. Mudau, 44. Adams, 13. Rayners, 38. Shalulile
Subs: 1. Onyango, 42. Khoza, 27. Morena, 48. Cupido, 21. Mkhulise, 7. Esquivel, 46. Letlhaku, 17. Matthews, 9. Sales.
AmaZulu: 44. Mothwa, 26. Jooste, 12. Fielies, 42. Mthethwa, 4. Hanamub, 2. Mobara, 34. Zungu, 8. Motshwari, 19. Moremi, 93. Kambindu, 27. Ekstein
Subs: 50. Ofori, 17. Gumede, 5. Sikhakhane, 23. Mphahlele, 14. Radebe, 18. Brooks, 29. Haba, 37. Sithole, 21. Human
