The win, secured by a second-half strike from Marcelo Allende, took Sundowns to 61 points from 26 matches, two clear of Pirates, who now trail the reigning champions as the season enters its decisive final stretch.

Despite the result, it was far from straightforward for the Tshwane giants, who have struggled for fluency in recent weeks. Coming into the clash, Sundowns had drawn back-to-back league matches against Stellenbosch FC and Richards Bay, raising questions about their momentum heading into the run-in.

Polokwane City, however, arrived with confidence of their own and once again proved to be difficult opposition. The home side, coached by Phuti Mohafe, had already frustrated both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in recent weeks, and briefly threatened to do the same again.

Sundowns started with intent, introducing Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile into the lineup, but struggled to break down a disciplined and compact Polokwane defence. City even thought they had made a dream start when Sapholwethu Kelepu found the net early on, only to be denied by an offside flag.

Much of the first half saw the hosts sit deep, absorbing pressure and looking to strike on the counter, while Sundowns dominated possession without creating clear openings. Shalulile came closest just before half-time, firing narrowly wide from a promising position.

After the break, Sundowns increased their intensity, with Zwane testing Lindokuhle Mathebula from a tight angle, while Polokwane responded through Sibusiso Tshabalala, whose header was comfortably saved by Ronwen Williams.

With the game still goalless approaching the hour mark, coach Miguel Cardoso turned to his bench, introducing Lebo Mothiba and Tashreeq Matthews in place of Zwane and Shalulile. The changes had an immediate effect.

Within a minute of coming on, Mothiba combined smartly on the edge of the area to set up Allende, who drilled a low, powerful effort into the bottom corner to give Sundowns the breakthrough.

The goal shifted momentum decisively in favour of the visitors, who began to control proceedings and push for a second. They were handed a golden opportunity to extend their lead in the 73rd minute after a foul on Khulumani Ndamane resulted in a penalty, but Mothiba's tame Panenka attempt was saved by Mathebula, keeping Polokwane in the contest.

Despite that setback, Sundowns managed the closing stages with experience and composure, slowing the tempo and seeing out the result to claim three valuable points in the title race.

While not a polished performance, the victory represents a crucial return to winning ways for the champions, who now head into a key run of fixtures against Polokwane City again and Kaizer Chiefs, with their pursuit of a record-extending ninth consecutive league title firmly in their own hands.

Mamelodi Sundowns held by Al Hilal in CAF Champions League