Mamelodi Sundowns back to winning ways with convincing victory over AmaZulu
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Mamelodi Sundowns swiftly put their stuttering start to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season behind them to secure maximum points in their second match of the campaign, easing to a 2-0 victory over AmaZulu on Tuesday night.
The Brazilians had many already questioning their prospects of a ninth successive championship when they were held to a 1-1 draw away to Chippa United on Matchday one. But Miguel Cardoso's men restored business as usual at Loftus Versfeld with a win that was never truly in doubt.
Granted, they only broke the deadlock after the interval, having failed to breach the Usuthu defence in the opening 45 minutes. It was not for a lack of endeavour, as Sundowns created chances aplenty and could have rendered the contest academic by half-time.
Kutloano Letlhaku, Arthur Sales, Marcelo Allende and Themba Zwane all came close to beating Olwethu Johnson following incisive attacking moves.
The second half brought a decisive change, particularly with the introduction of Tashreeq Matthews, whose energy and creativity transformed the Brazilians' attacking play. He would end the evening with both an assist and a goal.
Sundowns opened the scoring with a superb Iqraam Rayners volley, the striker finishing off a flowing team move initiated by Allende.
Sales delivered a delicate cross from the right, which Matthews headed back across the box for Rayners to smash home. Johnson knew from the roar behind him that he had been well beaten.
As the final whistle approached, Matthews added his name to the scoresheet. Sales played the ball into the area, and Matthews brought it under control with finesse before turning away from his marker and firing in off the base of the upright.
It was a result and performance to silence those who thought Sundowns might be vulnerable, reaffirming their dominance in both possession and build-up play while repeatedly prising open AmaZulu's defence.
With their supposed main title rivals, Orlando Pirates, slipping to a second consecutive defeat, the question now is who can stop Sundowns from securing a ninth league crown in succession.
Tuesday's outcome will only add intrigue to the MTN8 semi-final first leg between the two sides at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Tuesday night's PSL results:
Marumo Gallants 2-1 Orlando Pirates
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Amazulu
Orbit College 1-0 Siwelele FC
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