Mamelodi Sundowns Secure 2-0 Victory Over AmaZulu in First Home Game of the Season
Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off their 2025/26 Betway Premiership home campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over AmaZulu FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday night. The defending champions claimed their first league victory of the season, moving up to second place on the log.
AmaZulu suffered their first league defeat of the campaign and dropped to eighth position. They will face Marumo Gallants in their next league fixture on August 20.
Sundowns dominated possession from the first whistle, forcing AmaZulu to defend deep. However, the visitors limited the hosts to long-range attempts. In the 27th minute, Darren Johnson produced a fine save to deny Arthur Sales’ strike from distance.
AmaZulu relied on counter-attacks and managed to test Sundowns’ defensive shape. Ronwen Williams had to rush off his line twice, first in the 21st minute and again 10 minutes later, to stop potential threats. Both sides went into the break locked at 0-0.
Eight minutes after the restart, Sundowns found the opener through a well-worked move. Sales linked up with Tashreeq Matthews, who provided the final pass to Iqraam Rayners. The Bafana Bafana striker slotted home to make it 1-0.
AmaZulu tried to respond but struggled to create clear chances. Sundowns maintained control and pushed for a second goal. In stoppage time, AmaZulu failed to clear Sales’ delivery, allowing substitute Matthews to finish clinically and secure the 2-0 result.
Goals: Sundowns: Rayners (53’), Matthews (90’+1)
Line-ups:
Sundowns: Williams, Kekana, Cupido, Lunga (Modiba 46’), Mdunyelwa (Lebusa 90’), Mokoena, Allende, Zwane (Adams 80’), Sales, Rayners (Shalulile 79’), Letlhaku (Matthews 46’)
AmaZulu: Johnson, Radebe, Mthethwa, Fielies, Allan, Hanamub, Hlangabeza, Zungu (Motshwari 66’), Mashigo (Sithole 66’), Ngwenya (Moon 82’), Ekstein (Mbanjwa 82’)
Sundowns will now switch focus to their MTN8 semifinal first leg against Orlando Pirates on Saturday. AmaZulu will look to bounce back in their home clash against Marumo Gallants next week.
