Mamelodi Sundowns continued their winning form in the DStv Premiership with a 1-0 victory over Tshwane rivals SuperSport United on Monday evening.
Gaston Sirino and Neo Maema returned from Sundowns win over Chippa United, whereas Matsatsantsa handed a first start to Zukile Kewuti while goalkeeper George Chigova came in for Ricardo Goss, who was unable to feature against his parent club.
SuperSport were first to launch a threat after curling drive by Patrick Maswangayi forced goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to back-paddle and tip over the crossbar for a corner.
It was all happening in the opening stages after a low cross from the left by Aubrey Modiba very nearly resulted in an own-goal from Kegan Johannes' clearance, but Chigova showed great reflexes to parry wide.
Focus turned to Matsatsantsa moments later when Thapelo Maseko cut in space on the shoulder of the defence and fired inches wide of the bottom-corner with the defence caught square.
Sundowns remained compact and were ahead in the last minute of the half as Maema thumped home a cutback from Cassius Mailula into the roof of the net after the visitors fluffed clear their lines.
Having broken the deadlock, Maema targeted a brace earlier from the resumption with a flying curler outside the area but the attempt missed target and flew over the top.
Masandawana added more firepower around the midway stage of the second period in Peter Shalulile for Sirino before Aubrey Ngoma snapped a cutback on the edge of the area at the other end.
Shalulile nearly made an impact over 12 minutes from time when he robbed possession in an advanced area and slotted across the face of goal with Chigova in no man's land.
The Namibian forward was in again a minute to the end when he turned an angle in the heart of the area and launched in a strong effort which Chigova pushed clear.
SuperSport were very close to going level in added time after a low rasping curler from Maseko bounced off the foot of the post and back into play.
However, the Brazilians steadied the ship, remained calm and picked up the win to go 14 points clear at the top of the table.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudua, Modiba, De Reuck, Mvala, Mokoena, Zwane, Allende, Maema, Sirino, Mailula.
Subs: D. Onyango, Ngobeni, Shalulile, Ralani, Kekana, Mbule, Mkhulise, Saavedra, Kutumela.
SuperSport United: Chigova, Nhlapo, Fleurs, Johannes, Bhasera, Kewuti, Ndlovu, Maswanganyi, Lungu, Maseko, Gabuza
Subs: Pule, Rapoo, Mbatha, Donn, Rayners, Ngoma, Webber
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