Beating Mamelodi Sundowns is proving more difficult with each game and Sekhukhune United are the latest to learn this.
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Sekhukhune may feel he has a chance to upset Sundowns when the Brazilians are reduced to 10 men at Loftus Stadium on Saturday evening.
Playing the last 15 minutes short man did not stop Sundowns registering their 14th consecutive DStv Premiership win this season.
A 2-0 win over Sekhukhune means Sundowns have extended their lead at the top of the table to 22 points with 10 games to go.
Sekhukhune almost troubled Sundowns in the first minute with Victor Letsoalo getting a rare chance, but his shot was harmless.
It was all Sundowns after that. He threw everything at Babina Noko with Neo Maema approaching before him.
Sipho Mbule also had an effort at goal but it sailed wide. Peter Shalulile had an effort from close range saved by Badra Ali Sangare.
Sekhukhune managed to prevent Sundowns from scoring. Despite being under siege, Brandon Truter who went into the break was probably the happier of the two coaches.
The team was able to maintain their shape and not allow Sundowns to dismantle them as easily as usual.
But things quickly went south for Truter’s side in the second half with Shalulile being allowed to tap in in front of goal.
From the restart Sekhukhune had the ball in the back of the net but Chibuike Ohizu was in an offside position when he scored.
Truter rang changes, made three substitutions and only a few moments after the arrival of Elias Mokwana came to restore faith in people.
He was able to slide between two Sundowns defenders and send the ball towards the goal, but Denis Onyango managed to clear it.
Not Sekhukhune’s day
In the 63rd minute, another substitute Pogiso Mahlangu scored for Sekhukhune but was also in an offside position.
Sundowns were reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute with Marcelo Allende receiving a straight red minutes after coming on.
This was after the diminutive Sundowns forward ran dangerously at the feet of Letsoalo with a late challenge.
Goalie coach Wendell Robinson was also sent off for dissent after questioning the referee’s change of heart.
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The mediator initially cautioned Allende with a yellow card but after consulting with the official for the fourth time it was changed to a red.
Sekhukhune But could not take advantage of the extra man. But it was Sundowns who overtook the lead.
Thapelo Morena made an inspired run down the right, past several Sekhukhune players.
He then sent an inviting cross into the box which was met by Cassius Mailula who had just been on the field for less than 10 minutes.