Mamelodi Sundowns collected maximum points when they won by the skin of the teeth after a nail-biting encounter against Richards Bay FC at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday.

A last-gasp header from Junior Mendieta was enough to seal the victory for the home team. It was the home side that created the first real chance as they looked to make their intentions known. It came through Terrence Mashego, who hit a shot from the left flank but was unlucky as the ball went over the bar.

The mandate was very clear for the hosts as they continued to look for an opener by creating chances, but a goal was just not coming from them. Sipho Mbule looked to register his name in this encounter’s scoresheet, 15 minutes in. Being on the receiving end of Matias Esquivel’s cross, Mbule headed the ball in the direction of the net but missed it by a few inches.

Richards Bay also had threatening moments, like when they drove the ball to their box in attempt to break the deadlock but Bathusi Aubaa’s defensive heroics saved the day as he made an important clearance. A couple of times the visitors came close to teeing up the box, the Downs defence made sure to quickly clear the danger.

Despite the multiple chances created in the first half, Masandawana could not capitalise and score the elusive opener. Heading into the halftime break, they had to settle for zero goals apiece score. The resumption of the encounter came with more possibilities for the Brazilians to walk away with all points as they continued to search for the opening goal. Gaston Sirino came with the first threat of the second stanza, following a delivery made to him by Sphelele Mkhulise but he could not find the target as he headed the ball.