Mamelodi Sundowns bounced back emphatically with a convincing win over Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership match at Loftus Stadium on Saturday.

Following a tough week that saw them concede defeat in the Carling Knockout Cup final against Magesi FC and a draw with S Maniema in the CAF Champions League group stage, Sundowns managed to dispel their recent woes, bringing much-needed relief and happiness to their anxious fans.

Trésor Tshibwabwa played a pivotal role by inadvertently scoring an own goal in the first half. In the second half, Arthur Sales secured a second goal via a penalty kick. The decision for the penalty was controversial, as Iqraam Rayners seemed to have gone down theatrically in the box, leading referee Eugene Mdluli to point to the spot.

Rayners ultimately sealed the match for Sundowns with a goal in the 89^th minute, taking advantage of a defensive slip from Sekhukhune and expertly slotting the ball into the top corner.

The Brazilians made five alterations to their starting lineup on Saturday compared to the squad that drew 0-0 against Congolese team AS Maniema in the CAF Champions League earlier in the week.

Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Bathusi Aubaas, Siphelele Mkhulise, and Rayners entered the game, taking the places of Thapelo Morena, Devine Lunga, Teboho Mokoena, Erwin Saavedra, and Kabomelo Kodisang.

In the first 20 minutes, Sundowns held the majority of possession, but Sekhukhune worked hard to keep the home team at bay. Under the guidance of Manqoba Mngqithi, Sundowns maintained their stellar performance, breaking through in the 22nd minute.

Aubrey Modiba sent in a cross into the box, which forced Congolese defender Tshibwabwa to inadvertently score an own goal. Babina Noko nearly equalized around the 30-minute mark, but captain Ronwen Williams executed a vital save to deny him.

In the 48th minute of the second half, Sekhukhune’s goalkeeper Al Badra Sangare appeared to foul Rayners in the penalty area, earning Sundowns a spot-kick. Sales took the penalty and scored, marking his first goal in Sundowns’ colors. He almost netted again in the 54th minute, but Sangaré denied him once more.

Katlego Mkhabela had a prime chance in the 62nd minute, but Williams again displayed his goalkeeping prowess to thwart the effort. Mngqithi made his first substitutions in the 65th minute, introducing Morena, Mothobi Mvala, and Mokoena for Mudau, Grant Kekana, and Aubaas. Mokoena tried a long-range shot in the 70th minute, but it went off target. Former Sundowns striker Keletso Makgalwa also came close in the 75th minute, but Mvala and Mokoena successfully blocked his attempt.

This win elevated Sundowns to the top of the Betway Premiership standings with 21 points, level with Orlando Pirates, but ahead on goal difference. Nonetheless, the Pirates can reclaim the top spot with a victory over Stellenbosch on Sunday.