Mamelodi Sundowns’ Diski Team walked away with a point in their DStv Diski Challenge opener following a 1-1 draw against Siwelele FC on Sunday morning at Tuks Stadium.
Bafana Ba Style kicked off the proceedings with an early attempt that came from Bennet Mokoena. His powerful shot, however, missed the target by a few inches.
Despite the early threat from the hosts, it is the visitors who dominated the opening half. The left wing threatened Masandawana the most and tested the defence with an attempt to slot one in but luckily Vincent Sithole managed to chest trap the ball and clear it away.
Downs’ defending was clearly not enough because in the 21st minute, Siwelele broke the deadlock following a successful counterattack.
Masandawana were tested again after a scramble inside their box, but luckily Thabo Nkabinde was alert and managed to put his body on the line to ensure the ball didn’t find the back of the net.
In the closing minutes of the opening half, Mokoena desperately searched for a leveller. The first chance sailed slightly over the bar, and the second was a headed opportunity that also missed the target. The hosts went to the interval trailing.
Bafana Ba Style looked more confident and in control in the second stanza. It only took them a minute to finally level matters with their Siwelele counterparts. The beautiful build-up that looked like it came straight from the training grounds saw Oarabile Booysen netting one for the hosts.
Siwelele looked to capitalise on Masandawana’s mistakes, but the rearguard remained steadfast to deny them an opportunity to snatch back the lead.
In the closing stages of the match, the two sides played beautiful end-to-end football as they looked for a dramatic end. After the titanic tussle, they had to settle for a point to kick-start their 2025/26 season.
How we lined up: Biyela ©, Sibande, Sithole, Mampane, Nkabinde, Masisi, Moabelo, Mareletse, Booysen, Mokoena, Siquba.
Subs: Shabangu, Jodamus, Maake, Mokoele, Mlondo.
