Mamelodi Sundowns extended their record-breaking winning run to 13 matches after defeating TS Galaxy 2-1 on Tuesday evening.
Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango was given his first start of the season by Sundowns in place of Ronwen Williams while Sifiso Ngobeni, Andile Jali and Sipho Mbule earned re-calls as well.
It was a dominant opening from the runaway league leaders as Rushine De Reuck towered above Nkosikhona Radebe and headed Gaston Sirino's corner-kick past the returning Melusi Buthelezi.
That happened to be the goal-scorer's last involvement in the match after he encountered an injury whilst finding the net, with Rulani Mokwena throwing on Brian Onyango in De Reuck's place.
Galaxy were forced to make a change as well after goalkeeper Buthelezi was unable to carry on and was replaced by Vasilije Kolak, who featured in the loss to Cape Town City last Friday.
The Brazilians came close to a second goal a minute later when a first-time pass through to the area by Themba Zwane set Sirino clear before the Uruguayan opened an angle and fired wide.
Galaxy got a rare opening on the stroke of halftime as Junior Traore found space in the area but went wide, before Sphiwe Mahlangu back-heeled a low ball past the near post.
Sirino should've put the visitors two goals up early in the second half from Thapelo Morena's first-time pass, but the Uruguayan fired over from the near post of the area.
Masandawana did double their tally around the midway mark of the second half where Peter Shalulile brought Sirino's cutback under control and bagged his eighth goal of the season.
The league leaders enjoyed complete control during the final minutes as a reversed shot in the area by Shalulile forced a remarkable save off Kolak.
Galaxy got a consolation seconds from time after Onyango fouled Orebotse Mongae and conceded a penalty which Traore stabbed in, but it didn't result to a comeback as Sundowns went on to win.
Confirmed line-ups:
TS Galaxy: Buthelezi, Munyai, Msimango, Sanoka, Nyama, Mbunjana, Parker, Hlongwane, Radebe, Hlongwane, Troare, S.Mahlangu.
Subs: Kolak, Mere, Phohlongo, Mlambo, M.Mahlangu, Seema, Mongae, Daya, Sebelebele
Mamelodi Sundowns: D.Onyango, Morena, Kekana, De Reuck, Ngobeni, Jali, Mbule, Mkhulise, Sirino, Zwane, Shalulile.
Subs: Pieterse, B.Onyango, Lebusa, Saavedra, Kapinga, Karelse, Ralani, Zungu, Maema.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.