Staff Reporter.
Mamelodi Sundowns recorded their third consecutive draw in the DStv Premiership after they recorded a 1-1 stalemate with Golden Arrows at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday evening.
As the referee got proceedings underway, Sundowns immediately asserted themselves on the ball and bossed the possession count during the first 10 minutes of the game.
Sundowns continued to pen Arrows back and played most of their football in the Abafana Bes’Thende half. The likes of Marcelo Allende and Siphelele Mkhulise roamed on the edge of the opposition area as Downs began carving out goal scoring opportunities before the 20 minute mark.
With Downs reduced to 10-men temporarily, due to an injury sustained by Bongani Zungu, Arrows made the most of their numerical advantage and took the lead in the 22nd minute. Divine Lunga picked out Ryan Moon in the middle of the box with a low cross into the area, as the striker stroked the ball past Ronwen Williams with a calm finish.
After going a goal down, Sundowns remained patient on the ball in search of an equaliser. While the Brazilians pushed the home team back, Arrows sat tight and defended with aggression. However, it was not to be for Downs as Arrows took a slender 1-0 lead into the break.
Sundowns began the second-half on a more adventurous note and bombed forward with purpose. Often looking for the direct approach, the travelling outfit immediately put Arrows on the back foot.
With an hour of football played, Downs turned to their bench for some inspiration with Gaston Sirino and Lebohang Maboe being summoned as attacking reinforcements.
The Brazilians pressure paid off in the 72nd minute when Sipho Mbule levelled matters for his side. After being awarded a corner, a pin-point ball was played into the area as the midfielder’s thumping header proved to be too much to handle for goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana.
There was a new energy about Sundowns after getting the equaliser and put Arrows under immense pressure toward the end of the tie. The combination of Cassius Mailula and Sirino caused all sorts of trouble on the edge of the home team’s penalty area and pressed on for the winning goal.
However, Arrows survived the late onslaught by Sundowns as the two sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Princess Magogo Stadium.
Meanwhile Marumo Gallants gave their survival bid another shot in the arm after they fought back from a goal down to beat Chippa United 3-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night.