Mamelodi Sundowns struck late in the second half to defeat Royal AM 1-0 in the DStv Premiership on Saturday evening.
Denis Onyango, Sphelele Mkhulise, Sipho Mbule, Neo Maema, Thembinkosi Lorch, Tashreeq Matthews and Peter Shalulile were brought back in the starting eleven from the Sundowns eleven that started the goalless draw against Golden Arrows.
It was a very laboured start, with the host struggling to penetrate and get balls in the proper channels despite promising forward runs from in particular Matthews and Lorch.
Royal AM were pretty comfortable to sit deep and absorb all of the pressure, with the host going high and wide in pursuit of getting a breakthrough.
Thwihli Thwahla managed to get in-behind where a switch of play late in the half had Levy Mashiane take control in the area amidst a challenge and forced Onyango to a save.
An inspired start to the second half followed for Masandawana, who had Aubrey Modiba push higher to the edge of the box and stung the gloves of Hugo Nyame.
Namibian international Peter Shalulile's frustration up top continued and slammed a perfectly placed delivery from Lorch high and wide a little to five minutes in the resumption.
With the tempo rather passive, Masandawana injected energy to their resolve and introduced Lesiba Nku in the place of Lorch
Nku didn't waste time impacting matters but were involved in a short-corner and followed on with a pin-pint cross to the near post for a certain Shalulile to end his scoring rut in fine style.
The Namibian ace could've bagged a double in added time from a short run-up to the box preceded by a cutback, but unfortunately steered way wide.
Masandawana didn't lose the intensity but held firm enough to grab the victory and remained unbeaten.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: D.Onyango, Mudau, Modiba, Mvala, Coetzee, Mkhulise, Mbule, Maema, Matthews, Lorch, Shalulile
Subs: Pieterse, Mdunyelwa, Mashego, Aubaas, Allende, Esquivel, Mendieta, Nku, Morena
Royal AM: Nyame, Matlaba, Lingwati, Mabuza, Masuku, Mahlasela, Dlamini, Kobedi, Mashiane, Shezi, Thikazi
Subs: Mpoto, Ncobeni, Gamildien, Macuphu, Manganyi, Sikakane, Cele, Sera, Dlamini
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