By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Mamelodi Sundowns missed an opportunity to reclaim the top spot after being held to a 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Sundowns made several changes to the team that beat Espérance de Tunis en route to the final, with Grant Kekana and Aubrey Modiba returning to defence after CAF suspensions.
In the 27th minute, Katlego Ntsabeleng fired Sundowns into the lead, finishing off a slick assist from Arthur Sales to break the deadlock.
The home side clung desperately to their slender lead until the closing minutes, when Khulumani Ndamane injected late drama by bringing down his opponent in the box, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.
Tshegofatso Mabasa stepped up, saw his effort brilliantly saved by Ronwen Williams, but reacted quickest to bury the rebound and snatch a 1-1 draw at the death.
It is not a huge blow for Sundowns in their title charge, but more of a stumble as they failed to move back to the top of the table.
Orlando Pirates are on top with 58 points from their 25 games, while Sundowns are in second place with 57 points from 24 matches. That game in hand will be crucial.