Bidvest Wits moved to the top of the Absa Premiership table after they beat Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 at the Bidvest Wits Stadium on Monday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Pitso Mosimane made just one change since their 2-0 victory over Golden Arrows, handing a rare start to Anele Ngcongca at right-back, replacing Mzikayise Mashaba.

Meanwhile, Gavin Hunt made three team changes, bringing in captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabang Monare and Cuthbert Malajila to replace Bongani Khumalo, Vincent Pule and Eleazar Rodgers.

The match got off to a good start, with both sides seeing possession of the ball and showing their attacking intent in the opening exchanges of the match.

The Clever Boys had their first chance at goal in the 22nd minute when Thabang Monare unleashed a thunderous effort at goal, but he was ultimately denied by Sundowns keeper Denis Onyango.

The Brazilians had a chance of their own 30 minutes into the match as Khama Billiat whipped a cross into the box, however Percy Tau failed to make any contact with the ball from six yards out.

Wits eventually opened the scoring in the 42nd minute after Ben Motshwari latched on to a cross from Sifiso Myeni, before he headed the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Sundowns came close to equalising on the stroke of half-time when Themba Zwane was played through on goal by Tau, but he could only find the crossbar with his effort from 12 yards out.

The Brazilians came out a better side in the second half, but failed to carve out any clear-cut chances in the final third.

However, Mosimane’s were then reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute when Hachi was shown his marching orders after picking up his second yellow.

At the other end, Wits were also reduced to 10 men after Klate received his second bookable offence.

Sundowns pressed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages of the match, but failed to break down Wits’ defense, as Hunt’s side collected three points to move to the top of the PSL standings.

Image: Sydney Mahlangu /BackpagePix