DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns got back to winning ways after defeating Marumo Gallants 2-0 in their penultimate league clash.
Bongani Zungu, Lebohang Maboe, Gaston Sirino and Terrence Mashego, who had a decent outing against AmaZulu on Wednesday, were relegated to the bench.
Sundowns needed a matter of seconds to go ahead when Themba Zwane played a lofted ball in behind and Thapelo Morena connected kindly to lob over goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Top-scorer Peter Shalulile nearly extended the visitors tally with a smart effort at the first-time of asking following a delivery, but Arubi read the danger and stopped the Namibian in his tracks.
Gallants did attempt to put up a fight as the half went by, but the reigning champions proved difficult to crack and in fact enjoyed the lion share of chances in the danger area.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa still believed in their ability despite trailing and forced the Brazilians to timeous last-ditch challenges with Ranga Chivaviro particularly causing the uncertainty.
There were substitutions after the halftime break, with Sundowns bringing on Mosa Lebusa before the host introduced Monde Mphambaniso and Lesiba Nku.
The Brazilians doubled their lead five minutes following the break when Zwane pounced on a loose ball by Arubi at the near post of the area and rifled into the roof of the net.
Marumo seemed to have pulled one back with a snap-shot in the box by Chivaviro after the champions struggled to get rid of a cross-field delivery, but it was disallowed due to a coming-together.
The host piled more pressure on the Brazilians ahead of the end and saw a number of deliveries as well as shots put Masandawana’s shot-stopper Ronwen Williams in a spot of bother.
However, Sundowns didn’t lose their shape and could’ve had a third goal with a telling shot by substitute Sirino but Arubi made the save as the Brazilians extended their unbeaten run to 23 matches in the league.
Confirmed line-ups:
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Gumede, Nkili, Toure, Kumalo, Makudubela, Mohomi, Sibeko, Otladisa, Manaka, Chivaviro
Subs: Watenga, Seanego, Koapeng, Mdlinzo, Thangwane, Maraisane, Mphambaniso, Soumaro, Nku
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Mvala, Boutouil, Mokoena, Mbule, Maema, Zwane, Morena, Shalulile
Subs: Pieterse, Lebusa, Mashego, Maboe, Coetzee, Zungu, Ralani, Domingo, Sirino
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