Reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 2-0 win over AmaZulu FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday night.
Divine Lunga, Keanu Cupido, Zuko Mdunyelwa, Themba Zwane, and Kultwano Letlhaku made their first starts of the season for Sundowns, while Usuthu went with the same side that started the win against Orbit College.
Arthur Zwane’s men were keen to draw blood early on through a half-volley by Hendrick Ekstein after some good work by Tebogo Mashigo, but the midfielder sent his effort wide.
Sundowns showed a lot of patience on the ball in looking to unlock the visitors as Iqraam Rayners saw a rasping shot from a layoff by Letlhaku deflect away.
Masandawana went close on the half-hour mark through a first-time shot by Arthur Sales in the area, but goalkeeper Darren Johnson was equal to the strike.
The chances continued for the reigning champions, with Letlhaku driving forward to the edge of the area and firing narrowly over the top.
Sundowns made a double change at the break in Aubrey Modiba for Lunga and withdrew Letlhaku to bring on Tashreeq Matthews.
Matthews made an impact five minutes coming on when he got out on the far side of the area and released Rayners to volley in the opening goal.
The title holders were given a huge let off a little after Ekstein raced through from a looping ball, but his attempted lob went wide of the mark.
Rayners looked to make matters safe with a glancing header to the far post after another combination with Matthews, but it missed target.
Sundowns did double the lead in added time when Matthews got in at the near side and fired in off the foot of the post after being set-up by Sales, sealing their first win of the campaign.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mdunyelwa, Kekana, Cupido, Lunga, Mokoena, Allende, Letlhaku, Zwane, Sales, Rayners
Subs: Onyango, Lebusa, Modiba, Basadien, Adams, Mkhulise, Mabena, Matthews, Shalulile
AmaZulu: Johnson, Radebe, Mthethwa, Fielies, Allan, Hanamub, Hlangabeza, Zungu, Mashigo, Ngwenya, Ekstein
Subs: Mzimela, Mzobe, Dube, Motshwari, Mbanjwa, Sithole, Ngcobo, Thabede, Moon
