Mamelodi Sundowns edged out a determined Stellenbosch side in a Betway Premiership match at DHL Stadium on Wednesday.

Facing his former team, Iqraam Rayners netted the only goal of the game in the first half, choosing to refrain from celebrating in respect for his old teammates.

This victory enabled Sundowns to take a three-point lead at the top of the table, surpassing Orlando Pirates with 24 points from nine matches (having played one more match than the Pirates in second place).

The win served as a measure of revenge for Sundowns, who had previously lost both legs of the MTN8 semi-final earlier this season under coach Manqoba Mngqithi. This was the fifth matchup between the two teams this year, with each side having previously won two games before this encounter.

Without their star goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, who was returning from Morocco, Sundowns faced some challenges. Williams had earned the titles of CAF Goalkeeper of the Year and CAF Inter-Club Player of the Year but missed out on the CAF Player of the Year award, which was given to Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, as announced on Monday.

During Williams’ absence, veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango stepped in to take his place for Sundowns.

This encounter also marked the first league match for new Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, who had previously led the team to victory against Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League on Sunday after taking over from Mngqithi the weekend before.

Sundowns created the first notable chance of the match when Lucas Ribeiro Costa delivered a pinpoint pass to Iqraam Rayners, but Sage Stephens produced an outstanding save to deny him.

Rayners finally broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, with Kobamelo Kodisang providing a clever assist that allowed Rayners to maneuver around Stephens and place the ball into the open net. Despite scoring, Rayners chose not to celebrate out of respect for his former club.

Shortly after, Sundowns faced a setback when Marcelo Allende suffered a muscle injury and was replaced by Neo Maema.

However, Sundowns maintained control for the rest of the half, with Rayners remaining a constant threat, while Costa missed a chance to extend the lead with a shot that went astray.

As the halftime whistle approached, Costa had another opportunity to double Sundowns’ advantage but failed to convert from close range.

At the start of the second half, Kodisang came close to scoring again for Sundowns, but his curling shot went off target. Aubrey Modiba also nearly found the net, hitting the crossbar with his attempt.

Sundowns nearly gifted Stellenbosch an equalizer when Maema’s back pass was intercepted by Jayden Adams, but Onyango made a crucial save to deny Devin Titus.

In response, Stellenbosch intensified their attack, applying pressure on Sundowns. Titus had yet another opportunity to score, but once again, Onyango made an important save.

In the dying moments, Sanele Barns’ cross almost reached Titus, but Onyango remained alert to the danger.

Ultimately, Sundowns held their ground to secure the victory and establish a three-point lead at the top of the Betway Premiership standings.