Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first defeat under coach Miguel Cardoso after losing 1-0 to Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League on Saturday night.
Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Divine Lunga, Marcelo Allende, Iqraam Rayners came back into the Sundowns line-up, replacing Denis Onyango, Terrence Mashego, Aubrey Modiba, Kobamelo Kodisang, Thapelo Morena and Arthur Sales.
In a fiery opening, Masandawana weathered the storm from all sides before having the ball in the net through a composed Rayners but he had gone too early and duly flagged for offside.
Sundowns remained confident in the midway spell of the first stanza and came close once more when Bathusi Aubaas dropped a shoulder to force a save off goalkeeper Anas Zniti.
Worryingly, Masandawana conceded possession in key areas numerous times whilst trying to play from the back though the Green Devils lack of killer instinct saved the day.
It didn't get any better for the Tshwane side who were reduced to ten players five minutes before halftime after Aubaas was dismissed for a reckless challenge.
The Green Devils used the advantage to good effect and saw Benaissa Benamar beat the offside trap following a corner-kick to finish from close-range on the stroke of halftime.
Masandawana were under more pressure after the break and needed the reflexes of shot-stopper Ronwen Williams to keep the host from adding to the tally.
Sundowns looked to the substitutes bench seven minutes past the interval and balanced up his stall by bringing on Mosa Lebusa for Matthews.
The three-time champions still enjoyed the momentum and should've doubled the lead through a snap shot in the box by Nawfel Zerhouni off a reverse pass.
Zerhouni posed more problems in attack and managed to get on the end of a flowing move to the area, but Williams rushed out and thwarted him.
Raja finished with ten players too after Marouane Zila earned a second bookable offence for remonstrating a decision eight minutes from time.
Masandawana got a clear chance to level matters a minute from time through substitute Thembinkosi Lorch, but he went wide after racing clear.
The drama didn't end as the Brazilians received another red card to leave the match with nine players as Mudau earned his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident, as Raja held on for the win.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Khoza, Kekana, Mudau, Aubaas, Mokoena, Lunga, Matthews, Allende, Rayners, Ribeiro
Subs: Onynago, Lorch, Lebusa, Modiba, Sales, Lethaku, Mkhulise, Morena, Shalulile