Cape Town – Mamelodi Sundowns held on resolutely in the second half to secure a 1-0 win over Cape Town City in a drama-filled Absa Premiership game at the Athlone Stadium.

As it happened: Cape Town City v Mamelodi Sundowns

Sundowns started the game with a good intensity and they had the first chance of the night when a mistake in the City defence in the 13th minute let in Jeremy Brockie, but home keeper Sage Stephens made the interception.

The Cape side burst to life around the 15 minute mark as Masandawana stopper Denis Onyango had his first save to make in keeping out Lyle Lakay’s cross-cum-shot.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane was then sent off after protesting referee Victor Gomes’ decision to award a free kick against Teboho Langerman for what appeared a fair challenge.

Onyango seemed set to follow his coach to the stands five minutes before the break when he came out his box to challenge Thabo Nodada and caught both the player and the ball, but this time Gomes deemed a yellow to be enough.

The collision saw Nodada being substituted with a gash to his leg.

The complexion of the game was changed two minutes after the interval when Percy Tau’s incredible solo run and cross teed up Khama Billiat to thunder in a volley, much to the delight of the large Sundowns contingent in the crowd.

Ayanda Patosi could have levelled matters soon after, but from a good position in the box his volley was poorly executed and Onyango made an easy save.

More opportunities came for City, but Roland Putsche, Lakay and Teko Modise all fired shots over the bar, while Onyango prevented Soumahoro Bangaly from scoring an own goal before tipping over an 85th minute rocket from Patosi from 35-yards out. 

There was some more late drama when Citizens skipper Robyn Johannes was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in added time – one for a foul, the other seemingly for back-chat as the home side’s evening ended on a sour note.