Mamelodi Sundowns Move Top of Betway Premiership Table After Beating AmaZulu FC

• Mamelodi Sundowns have moved to the summit of the Betway Premiership table after defeating AmaZulu FC on Tuesday evening
• The defending champions are now level on points with Orlando Pirates on the league table, but the Brazilians have scored more goals
• The Pretoria giants are on course to win their ninth successive Betway Premiership title this season, but face competition from Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs

Mamelodi Sundowns are back on top of the Betway Premiership table after beating AmaZulu FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 24 February 2026.

The Brazilians secured all three points against Usuthu, thanks to a second-half goal from Marcelo Allende after the game was heading into a draw.

It's back-to-back wins in the league for Miguel Cardoso's side, and they have now leapfrogged Orlando Pirates on the log despite both teams being on the same points. They defeated the Soweto giants in their last league match on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

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Sundowns beat AmaZulu FC to go top

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, alongside Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Brayan Leon and Khulumani Ndamane, returned to the starting line-up for Mamelodi Sundowns after they all missed out in the Brazilians' loss to TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup over the weekend.

Tsiki Ntsabeleng, who joined the Brazilians on loan in the summer, retained his place in the line-up and almost justified his selection inside the opening 11 minutes. After latching onto a pass inside the penalty area, the former Kaizer Chiefs attacker unleashed a shot that drifted narrowly past Darren Johnson’s post.

The Pretoria-based club maintained control as the half progressed and came close to scoring the first goal of the match in the 20th minute. Ndamane climbed the highest to connect with a corner kick, but his powerful header was parried away by Johnson.

The visitors suffered a setback shortly after the half-hour mark when pacey South African winger Thapelo Morena was forced off due to injury. He was replaced by Nuno Santos, who had initially been named among the substitutes.

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At the other end, AmaZulu only threatened seriously in the closing stages of the first half. Thando Ngwenya capitalised on a loose ball in the box, but his close-range attempt was brilliantly kept out by Williams, ensuring both teams went into the halftime break goalless.

Sundowns came out after halftime and quickly regained control, dominating possession as they had before the break. They increased their attack into the penalty area and created several goal-scoring opportunities, but were unable to find the back of the net as the scoreline remained goalless.

The deadlock nearly ended in the 64th minute when Leon was played through by Tashreeq Matthews, but the Colombian forward’s effort narrowly missed the target. Usuthu remained resolute at the back, defending strongly as they aimed to secure at least a point in front of their home supporters.

It wasn’t until the 84th minute that Marcelo Allende finally found the net, giving Sundowns the lead. AmaZulu were unable to respond, allowing the visitors to claim all three points. With this result, Usuthu stay fifth in the standings on 30 points after 18 games, while the Brazilians move top of the log with 38 points from 17 matches.

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What's next for Mamelodi Sundowns?

Mamelodi Sundowns would hope to maintain their lead on top of the Betway Premiership table in their next match in the league this weekend.

Miguel Cardoso's side will shift their focus to their next match, which is against Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, March 1, 2026. A win against Babina Noko would ensure they stay at the top of the log.

They also have a tricky midweek home fixture against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.

Cardoso explains why Sundowns lost to Galaxy

Briefly News also reported that Cardoso shared the reason behind Sundowns defeat against TS Galaxy in the Round of 16 of the Nedbank Cup.

The Pretoria giants were knocked out of the domestic cup competition after a 2-0 defeat against the Rockets.

Source: Briefly News