Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies were held to a 1-1 draw by Double Action Ladies from Botswana at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban on Tuesday afternoon.
Despite fielding a strong attacking line-up that consisted of the likes of Melinda Kgadiete, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, and Rhoda Mulaudzi, the sturdy opponents from Botswana weathered the early storms of attacks.
However, Double Action took the lead when Tiisetso Makhubela put the ball into her net with a header from a corner as she tried to clear the danger.
The Brazilians levelled matters five minutes later thanks to Melinda Kgadiete who bagged her third goal of this year’s competition and her eighth overall in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifier to lead the all-time scorers’ charts.
After the break, Sundowns Ladies made several changes in a bid to grab a second goal and Lelona Daweti came the closest in the 70th minute when she struck the woodwork.
Despite the introduction of Boitumelo Rabale, The Brazilians were unable to find the breakthrough as the game ended one apiece.
Speaking after the game, Coach Agnes ‘Madala’ Nkosi praised the opponents for their defensive organization and backed her team to keep working hard.
“We faced a very organized side who showed they have learned their lessons from last year’s competition. Although we played our best, we ended up with a result that we least expected. Nevertheless, we still stand a chance to go through. Despite the result, we remain a force to be reckoned with and we will dust ourselves from this and plan for the next game,” Madala stated.
The 1-1 draw means Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies remain top of Group A with four points accumulated after two games played. Double Action Ladies have one point and Mozambique’s Costa Do Sol is yet to gain any points.
Double Action and Costa Do Sol will next face off on Thursday with three points at stake.
