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Nomvethe and Khenyeza stun Sundowns

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns suffered something of a shock defeat despite taking the lead, as they lost 2-1 to AmaZulu in Saturday's Absa Premiership clash at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.

Sundowns were largely in control and took the lead through a Thokozani Sekotlong strike after good work from Fares Hachi.

After the break, the tide turned as veterans Siyabonga Nomvethe and Mabhuti Khenyeza scored goals off the bench as Usuthu downed Pitso Mosimane's men.

Sundowns were in control of the early stages of the game as Pitso Mosimane's men enjoyed the majority of possession of the ball, with AmaZulu sitting back in numbers.

It paid dividends in the eighth minute as good play from Fares Hachi saw the Algerian left-back play in Thokozani Sekotlong, who finished beyond Boalefa Pule with a smart side-footed finish.

Percy Tau was leading Sundowns' line well alongside Sekotlong, with his pace and trickery causing plenty of problems. Subsequently, he came close to making it 2-0 when he volleyed a cross narrowly over the bar.

The Brazilians thought they may have doubled their advantage just before the break as Tau flicked the ball past Pule, but it was turned down after an offside flag was raised. Michael Morton appealed for a penalty just before half-time, though he was not given a decision as Usuthu rarely threatened.

After the interval, substitute George Lebese had an effort on goal in the 62nd minute but he saw his effort blocked from close to the six-yard box. Moments later the lively Tau thought he was in on goal, however, Pule was sharp off his line to clear the danger with a sliding challenge.

The visitors brought on Nomvethe and he was close to finding a surprise equaliser though Brimah Razak was up to the task with a brilliant save down low. However, the 39-year-old would not be denied as he smashed home in the 80th minute, after an assist from fellow veteran Khenyeza.

Against much of the odds many would have suggested, Khenyeza popped up to score the winner in the 88th minute as he converted from Nomvethe's delivery to hand the Durban side a famous win.

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