Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns took sole lead of the Premiership after securing a deserved 1-0 win over Golden Arrows at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.
Sundowns made the best possible start to the game as Bangaly Soumahoro expertly controlled following a fumble by goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede and then an error by a defender, with the Ivorian lashing in.
The hosts almost delivered the perfect reply when a free-kick was quickly taken and Kudakwashe Mahachi unleashed a powerful shot that beat Denis Onyango and rattled the crossbar.
Midway through the half Hlompho Kekana was picked out in the box, but the ball fell onto his weaker left foot as he fired wide.
Just before half-time, there was a rare foray forward via a counter-attack by Arrows which saw Lerato Lamola switch play from right to left for Siphelele Magubane, whose shot was straight at the Brazilians custodian.
At the other end, Percy Tau almost doubled Downs' lead before the break when he fired powerfully at Gumede, who managed to gather at the second attempt.
After the restart Tiyani Mabunda fired wide from a position of promise, before Sibusiso Vilakazi drew a fine save with his volley from inside the box that had to palmed away by Gumede.
That was in the 69th minute and moments later, Vilakazi had another chance, this time a header, which he put wide, before Gumede made another brilliant save to keep out Oupa Manyisa at his feet.
There was a chance at the death for the hosts to nick a point, although Thomas Chideu's effort was too tame for Onyango as Sundowns help on.