Mamelodi Sundowns, who played with ten men, maintained their winning start under Miguel Cardoso with a late 1-0 win away to AmaZulu on Tuesday afternoon.
Sundowns made two changes from the win over Stellenbosch, as Teboho Mokoena replaced Bathusi Aubaas and Khuliso Mudau for Thapelo Morena, while there was no place in the Usuthu squad for new signing Bongani Zungu.
The title holders looked to hit the ground running earlier on through a smart opening from a clever position by Lucas Ribeiro, but he snapped his lines from a tight angle.
Mokoena pushed for solid return to the starting fold just before the half-hour mark but unfortunately rifled a shot well over the top of Richard Ofori's goal.
AmaZulu were extremely close to breaking the deadlock towards the break courtesy of Sede Dion following a ball in the box, but the forward scuffed his effort inside the six-yard area.
The opportunities didn't stop coming for the hosts, as Taariq Fielies latched onto a loose ball from inside the danger area and hoofed over from close-range while Rushine de Reuck went even closer at the other end by sending a header against the upright.
Masandawana made a double substitution after halftime with Kobamelo Kodisang and Sphelele Mkhulise removed for Kutlwano Letlhaku and Bathusi Aubaas.
Ribeiro was inches to opening the tally soon from the interval through a surging shot from the area, but saw it cleared from the goal-line.
Sundowns fortunes on the field changed ten minutes after the break where goalkeeper Ronwen Williams picked up a straight red card for handling the ball outside of the box.
Hendrick Pule Ekstein came close to making the break moments later with a swerving effort as Masandawana battled to guard their lines, but he hit the upright.
The match became even towards the final stages though the Brazilians showed courage and grabbed the winner in added time when Iqraam Rayners sneaked in at the near post to head in a free-kick.
Sundowns survived the final exchanges and wrapped up victory to remain on top of the table and continued their winning start under Cardozo.
Confirmed line-ups:
AmaZulu: Ofori, Jooste, Hanamub, Fielies, Mphahlele, Motshwari, Ekstein, Moremi, Dion, Mbanjwa, Human
Subs: Mothwa, Gumede, Mobara, Ngubane, Mngonyama, Brooks, Kunene, Haba, Ndlovu
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Modiba, Mudau, De Reuck, Lunga, Khoza, Mokoena, Ribeiro, Kodisang, Mkhulise, Rayners
Subs: Onyango, Morena, Mashego, Maboe, Aubaas, Maema, Letlhaku, Sales, Shalulile