The Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team were not able to get desired results following a 2-2 draw against the Lamontville Golden Arrows Reserves on Saturday afternoon at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.
The home side conceded the first goal three minutes into the game. The first attempt was cleared by the Downs goalkeeper but it is the rebound that saw Golden Arrows draw first blood.
Mamelodi Sundowns did not take the early goal lying low. It didn’t take long before they retaliated with an equaliser from a set piece. The ball came from a corner kick where Malibongwe Khoza received it to then supply it to Siyanda Nyanga who found the back of the net.
Attempting to take back the lead, Abafana Bes’thende kept knocking on the door but their attempts were cushioned by the Downs rearguard. Another dangerous attempt came from them but it looped high above the crossbar.
On the 41st minute, Onele Rulwana had the power to send the Arrows goalkeeper and doubled matters for his side. It did not take long before goal scorer, Nyanga, was forced out due to an injury.
The first yellow card of the match was shown to Malibongwe Khoza, who was named Man of the Match, following a clash of the knees tackle with a Golden Arrows player.
Masandawana wanted to extend their lead, which saw Rulwana almost finding the back of the net with a rebound, but the off-side flag was raised. Another chance came from Thando Buthelezi, who made a good run with space but the tight angle saw him hit the side of the post. Even though Downs went to the halftime break with an upper hand, they were looking to dig deep in the second half and control the game.
The second half started with the visitors wanting to level matters but a shoulder-to-shoulder tackle cleared the ball. A few minutes later a free kick was awarded to them after the Downs captain fouled the visitors, but the ball went wide.
a double supply of yellow cards were given to two Golden Arrows players following one player holding back Buthelezi from the ball and the other making a late tackle. The Brazilians were awarded a free kick which saw an attempt from Kutlwano Letlhaku but was cleared.
An important save was made by Downs in the box through an acrobatic clearance by Kutlwano Mohanwe. It however did not take long after the clearance, for Arrows to level matters just after Coach Themba introduced fresh legs in the final 15 minutes.
Masandawana still displayed enthusiasm in the dying minutes of the game. Despite their numerous attempts, they could not capitalise and score what could have been a winning goal. They had to settle for another draw against the Kwa-Zulu Natal-based team.
How we lined up: Raludzingana, Mohanwe, Khoza, Mampane, Nkabinde, Nyanga, Rulwana, Mabena, Buthelezi, Nkosi ©, Letlhaku.
Subs: Mohlabine, Ramotsei, Mthembu, Norawana, Nkonxeni.
