Staff Reporter.
Stellenbosch held defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1-1 draw in their DStv Premiership match at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday night.
Junior Mendieta handed Stellies the lead with a well-taken penalty and Masandawana were trailing at half-time for the first time in the league this season, but Lyle Lakay levelled matters for the visitors after the restart.
Sundowns started the match slowly, but they grew into the match gradually and they began pressing the hosts and they were awarded a free-kick near the right touchline. A well-taken set-piece from Lakay found Grant Kekana, whose flicked effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
However, Stellies looked dangerous on the counter and they were awarded a penalty after the pacey Ashley Du Preez was fouled in the box by Khuliso Mudau. Mendieta stepped up and scored from the spot-kick to hand Stellenbosch a 1-0 lead in the 43rd minute and the hosts were leading at half-time.
Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi pulled out Mudau and introduced attack-minded right-back Thapelo Morena prior to the start of the second-half. Most of Masandawana’s attacks came from the right hand side with Morena making some dangerous overlapping runs.
Parity was restored in the 59th minute when Thabiso Kutumela cut inside from the right flank after being set up by Morena and the diminutive striker played a pass for Lakay, who fired a low shot past Stephens from outside the box to make it 1-1.
Sundowns had a couple more sights at goal thereafter, with Lakay going close with a free-kick from around 30 yards out that sailed over the crossbar.
The game was on the edge after that as Sundowns made a double change in the last 12 minutes for fresh legs, as Kermit Erasmus replaced Kutumela upfront and Aubrey Modiba came on for Themba Zwane in midfield.
Sundowns had a chance to extend their lead to 11 points at the top of the league standings by defeating Stellies, but they are now nine points above second-placed Royal AM. Stellenbosch remained fourth on the log.