Mamelodi Sundowns produced a devastating attacking display to defeat AmaZulu FC 5-2 in a thrilling Betway Premiership encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Wednesday night.
The seven-goal spectacle was arguably one of the most entertaining matches of the league season so far, with the Brazilians showcasing their firepower to move up to second place in the standings, level on points with leaders Orlando Pirates.
Sundowns dominated proceedings from the opening stages and were rewarded in the 25th minute when Brayan Leon produced a superb finish. After Cassius Mailula’s effort took a deflection, the Colombian reacted brilliantly and unleashed a stunning strike to put the hosts 1-0 ahead.
It was Leon’s second league goal of the season and the beginning of a memorable night for the forward.
The pressure continued to mount on AmaZulu, and just seven minutes later, Teboho Mokoena announced his return from injury in spectacular fashion.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder stepped up for a free-kick and curled a powerful effort beyond goalkeeper Wilfried Kouassi to double Sundowns’ advantage in the 32nd minute.
The hosts took a commanding 2-0 lead into halftime, but AmaZulu emerged from the break determined to fight their way back into the contest.
AmaZulu Fight Back
Usuthu needed just a minute of the second half to reduce the deficit.
In-form striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya struck in the 46th minute to make it 2-1 and briefly give Arthur Zwane’s side hope of completing a comeback.
Sundowns responded almost immediately.
Five minutes later, Tashreeq Matthews restored the Brazilians’ two-goal cushion, finding the back of the net in the 51st minute to make it 3-1.
The goals continued to flow as Leon completed his brace in the 66th minute, with Matthews turning provider to help Sundowns establish a commanding 4-1 advantage.
AmaZulu refused to surrender, however, and Ngwenya grabbed his second of the night in the 70th minute.
The Zimbabwean’s brace took his league tally to five goals, moving him clear at the top of the early Betway Premiership scoring charts and reducing the deficit to 4-2.
Bennet Mokoena Scores First Professional Goal
Sundowns still had one more memorable moment to deliver.
Substitute Bennet Mokoena, the 2025/26 DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season and Golden Boot winner, found the net in stoppage time to complete the emphatic victory.
The youngster’s 91st-minute strike was particularly special as it marked his first professional goal for Sundowns, putting the finishing touch on a remarkable 5-2 triumph.
The result maintains Sundowns’ strong start to the league campaign and moves Miguel Cardoso’s charges level on points with Orlando Pirates at the top end of the table.
Attention now turns to cup football, with the Brazilians travelling to face Golden Arrows on Sunday as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit in their MTN8 semifinal tie.
AmaZulu, meanwhile, remain fourth after suffering their first league defeat of the season. Arthur Zwane’s side will look to bounce back when they face Richards Bay in a KZN Derby on 4 September.
Full-time: Mamelodi Sundowns 5-2 AmaZulu FC
Sundowns scorers: Brayan Leon 25′, 66′; Teboho Mokoena 32′; Tashreeq Matthews 51′; Bennet Mokoena 90+1′
AmaZulu scorers: Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya 46′, 70′
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