Mamelodi Sundowns boosted their hopes of qualifying for the CAF Champions League quarter-finals with a late 2-1 win over AS Maniema on Saturday afternoon.
The absence of Khuliso Mudau and Bathusi Aubaas allowed Masandawana to welcome back Mosa Lebusa and Sphelele Mkhulise, with Arthur Sales and Thapelo Morena back in the eleven too.
Sales had the chance to give the visitors the lead on five minutes through a one-on-one following a delivery in-behind from Lucas Ribeiro, but he shot wide of the far post.
Maniema were inches to taking the lead midway in the clash when a floated ball from a free-kick found an unmarked Rodrigues Kita Kalowa, who headed narrowly wide.
The host still popped up the chances after the water-break as a corner to the back-post picked out Joseph Bakasu to bring under control and forced Ronwen Williams to a smart save.
Maniema's persistence paid dividends five minutes to halftime when Jephte Kitambala Bola raced down the right and outsprinted Teboho Mokoena to finish with ease.
Sundowns turned to the substitutes bench in an effect to change the outcome and introduced Tashreeq Matthews in the place of Sales.
Morena came close after a quiet spell with a first-time effort from a long ball in the area, but the Maniema shot-stopper Brudel Liyongo pulled down to deny him.
In a closing quarter, Sundowns continued to push numbers in a hope to get on level terms though the sturdy approach from the Congolese proved difficult to overcome.
Sundowns got the response when late entrant off the dugout Peter Shalulile beat the offside trap to connect with Mokoena's corner and head in off the near post.
The host were desperate to regain the lead in the final minute through the quick feet in the area by Rachidi Musinga, but Williams rushed to make a point-blank save.
Masandawana completed the comeback when a ball over the top released Shalulile but the ball was turned home by Maniema defender Exaucia Moanda to seal maximum points.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Lebusa, Kekana, Lunga, Mokoena, Morena, Mkhulise, Allende, Sales, Rayners, Ribeiro
Subs: Onyango, Khoza, Saavedra, Maema, Mashego, Letlhaku, Matthews, Johannes, Shalulile