Mamelodi Sundowns extended their unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership after claiming a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Sundowns rang changes from their draw with AS Maniema Union in the Caf Champions League as Gaston Sirino, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Haashim Domingo and Aubrey Modiba came in, while Themba Zwane, Rivaldo Coetzee and Lyle Lakay were rested.

The game got off to a good start as both Sundowns and Arrows were looking to find their rhythm and build possession in the opening exchanges.

Sundowns created the first chance in the 12th minute when, in a well-worked move, Peter Shalulile found space in behind the defence as he tried to pick out Sibusiso Vilakazi in the area but the ball was cut out.

Denis Onyango was called into action in the 13th and 16th minutes when he came off his line to collect the ball and deny Knox Mutizwa and Velemseni Ndwandwe.

At the other end, Maximilian Mbaeva produced a save of his own in the 21st minute to deny Gaston Sirino, who tried to curl his effort into the corner.

Thabiso Kutumela tried his luck eight minutes later when he attempted to lob the Arrows keeper, but the defence did well to block his strike.

Onyango was kept relatively busy after 30 minutes of play as he was forced into making a save to deny Pule Mmodi’s effort from distance.

Neither side were able to find the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes, with the game going into the half-time break locked at 0-0.

The visitors showed their intent early in the second half and had a chance to break the deadlock in the 47th minute when Domingo unleashed a thunderous shot from distance, only for it to be blocked on the edge of the area.

Sundowns eventually took the lead in the 58th minute when Sirino found the back of the net with a fine first-time finish from the edge of the box.

The Brazilians opted to bring on a fresh pair of legs in the 64th minute, Sphelele Mkhulise replacing Vilakazi.

Mosa Lebusa came to his side’s rescue in the 71st minute when he made a crucial intervention in the box to deny Arrows a scoring opportunity.

Arrows were then awarded a penalty in the 77th minute. Michael Gumede stepped up but sent his spot kick wide of target.

Sundowns made their second substitution of the game after 83 minutes when Neo Maema was brought on to take the place of goalscorer Sirino.

Domingo had a chance to put the game to bed in the 88th minute when he unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area, but the midfielder fired his effort wide of goal after he was played through by Shalulile.

The defending champions managed to hold on to their narrow lead until the final whistle to walk away with all three points away from home.