- A fourth straight league win sends Downs top of the table
- A brilliant combination play results in the only goal of the game
- Late drama as Cheick Soumaro has an 89th-minute goal ruled out
WHAT HAPPENED? Sundowns had the better of the chances on the night but only managed to convert one, when Sphelele Mkhulise rounded off a lovely move also involving Themba Zwane and the superb Teboho Mokoena. Gallants did well though to stay in the game and nearly sneaked a late point.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: In the end it was an edgy win for the Brazilians but they were deserved winners and are back on top of the log after a two-week break due to playing in the Caf Champions League - ominous news for the chasing pack.
ALL EYES ON: Referee Michael Mosemeng and his assistants Thabo Thinane and Bongani Mnguni-Matete were at the centre of a number of hotly contested calls as Sundowns had two penalty appeals turned down and Gallants had a late goal ruled off-sides. Replays though suggest that they got them all right despite the various protestations.
MATCH IN THREE PHOTOS:
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backpagepixDID YOU KNOW? It was a sixth clean sheet in the league for Downs keeper Ronwen Williams and a seventh in all competitions this season.
WHAT NEXT FOR MAMELODI SUNDOWNS? The Brazilians were given a real workout ahead of their next match - Saturday's second-leg MTN8 semi-final clash against Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The first leg ended 0-0.