Mamelodi Sundowns leave it late before sealing win against Sekhukhune United

The victory for the defending champions means they open open up a three-point gap at the top of the table, although second-placed Orlando Pirates have two games in hand.

Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso made wholesale changes to his team from their CAF Champions League encounter against Al Hilal, with only Arthur Sales retaining his place.

The many changes led to a disjointed start to the contest from Sundowns, especially in the final third.

Iqraam Rayners had the first good opportunity but flashed his effort across the goal.

Sundowns were ramping up the pressure as Brayan Leon forced Sekhukhune goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner to a point-blank save.

Cardoso looked to his bench to find some inspiration and sent on Tashreeq Matthews and Nuno Santos to create a sparkle.

The move almost paid dividends but Matthews was denied by Leaner, who parried he forward's effort to safety.

Sundowns broke the deadlock in the first minute of injury-time when Khuliso Mudau did some good work down the right flank before finding Nuno Santos, who slotted in the bottom corner.

Leon the sealed the victory with header from a rebound after Leaner had initially denied Peter Shalulile.

Sekhukhune remain fifth in the standings following the defeat, three points behind second-placed Pirates, albeit having played three extra matches.

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