Spoils were shared at the FNB Stadium when Mamelodi Sundowns drew level in a 1-1 test against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday afternoon. It is a late goal from Cassius Mailula to level matters that helped Masandawana pick up a point in Soweto.
With injuries biting in, it meant it was a new look for the Brazilians, with Bathusi Aubaas making his return, Mkhulise starting and Siyanda Ndlovu making his debut in Brazilian colours.
The hosts created the first big chance of the game on the 7th minute but it went wide. Two minutes later, Sphelele Mkhulise fired a shot from the right flank on a tight angle but the ball went out.
Just after the half-hour mark, Khuliso Mudau made a delivery to Antonio van Wyk in the edge of the box. Van Wyk’s effort to fire the ball into the box was, however, cleared away by the hosts.
On the 40th minute, Amakhosi were awarded a free-kick after a foul by Kegan Johannes. The free-kick was connected with a header which was directed towards goal but Ronwen Williams caught the effort.
While both sides looked to get a goal in the final stages of the opening half, they went to the interval deadlocked at 0-0.
Upon the return of the encounter, the two sides continued the titanic tussle but no clear-cut chances were witnessed.
On the 56th minute, the Glamour Boys almost came close to finding the back of the net, following a one versus one against Williams but he smacked the ball and was cleared away.
After a long fight and a tight defence denying them space, Amakhosi found a rebound and squeezed in inside the box find the back of the net to open the scoring after the hour mark.
Bafana Ba Style looked to level matters inside 70 minutes as debutant, Siyanda Ndlovu dribbled past a defender on the right flank but the goalkeeper kicked the ball away.
Masandawana finally converted at 76 minutes, drawing level, thanks to Mailula’s glancing header. After a corner kick attempt that was cleared, Mudau found the ball and lobbed it into the box. Grant Kekana – who received Mudau’s ball – delivered it to Mailula who connected with the ball, heading it towards goal.
In an effort to find a late winner, substitute, Bennet Mokoena’s effort from range sailed over the bar, seeing the sides each claiming a point.
How we lined up: Williams (c), Mudau, Johannes, Kekana, Modiba, Mkhulise, Aubaas, Matthews, Allende, van Wyk, Leon.
Subs: Goss, Lunga, Mvala, GL. Kekana, Zwane, Mailula, Mothiba, Ndlovu, B. Mokoena.
Not the best match ever…but the players did their best…good not to lose the match…Johannes obviously learned his lesson…doesn’t need me telling him…the teams seem short of players…I know what I’m saying doesn’t sound right…but we looked very thin…there’s a rumor around Ncanana and the club…he’s a very good player…good luck to the team Wednesday
Again Sundowns fails to beat Chiefs for the 5th time since Cardoso arrive,then our team has become an ordinary team conceding 5 goals in 3 matches with the goalkeeper and his defenders making us a laughing stock in the PSL.Non is a new arrival at the back yet the Coach says we need a defender where,Mvala,Kekana,Cupido,Ndamane,Khoza,I mean where do u get better defenders in the league than these.If u fail to utilize these players get out of the kitchen bcoz which means the heat is too much for u.Again there’s absolutely no apparent reason to offload Shalulile bcoz we will here excuses if injuries very soon,bt the bigger problem is……The Coach must b proactive than reactive,Mathews,Mkhulise&van Wyk were coming with nothing bt chose[Cardoso]to react after Chiefs has scored and there’s a day that we will never come back from these goal down.To witness Sundowns performing only in the last 15 minutes of the game leaves a lot to desired.
Sundowns is right to offload players like Shalulile, restructuring team is needed and health.. Shalulile should’ve gone with Mothiba… Keagan is given a chance but he keeps on rewarding us with nothing… My only complain about our coach how can you play Sundowns without No10, because without 10 we can’t function, please Mr Coach don’t adopt Hugo Broos coaching and don’t be scared of Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates.. Otherwise good luck