Scrappy AmaZulu were a worthy opponent on Christmas Eve but the Durban club came just short of claiming a point against reigning South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns. A late Iqraam Rayners goal gave Sundowns their latest victory despite The Brazilians being reduced to ten players following a second half red card to star goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Sundowns maintain their three-point lead at the top of the table with the result.
It could have been a disappointing Christmas for Sundowns supporters, who saw their team struggle to break down an organized Usuthu side that attempted to frustrate the prolific attack of the champions. Lucas Ribeiro and Teboho Mokoena fired efforts over the bar in the opening twenty minutes before the best opportunity arrived before halftime when Khuliso Mudau got his finish all wrong after a cross from Rayners snuck through the AmaZulu six-yard box.
It seemed like a matter of time before the visitors would find a breakthrough but the result was put into further doubt when Williams attempted to play the role of sweeper keeper and handled the ball outside his penalty area, an offense that warranted a red card ejection to the recently crowned CAF Goalkeeper of the Year. AmaZulu's best chance came in the 70th minute when sloppy passing in the back from Sundowns allowed Hendrick Ekstein a good look on goal but his effort went off a defender and then off the post.
But Sundowns were not denied the full three points on the day. In the 90th minute a free kick service from out wide by Mokoena found Rayners who guided his header past AmaZulu keeper Richard Ofori to confirm victory for Masandawana. Highlights are below.
League Table (Top-5)
Games Played | Points | |
| 10 | 27 |
| 9 | 24 |
| 11 | 20 |
| 9 | 15 |
| 11 | 15 |
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