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Mamelodi Sundowns played their third draw in three matches when they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Lamontville Golden arrows on Tuesday night at Princess Magogo Stadium.
In an uncharacteristically solid defensive performance
by Arrows, Sundowns once again looked like impostors compared to their ruthless
selves, something that has been the case in their previous two draws against
Cape Town City, and Swallows.
As has been their modus operandi since they were
crowned Dstv premiership champions with seven matches to spare, Sundowns
enjoyed the lion’s share of possession against Abafana Bes’thende, but lacked
the intensity around the final third that has seen them dismantling the most
solid of defences throughout the season.
The Brazilians controlled 72% of the ball, managed 18 goal attempts, with 10 on target, compared to Arrows’ three goal attempts, and two shots on target, yet they failed to break down the Arrows defence, until the 73rd minute when Sipho Mbule scored with a header to cancel Ryan Moon’s 23rd minute strike.
While Sundowns coach, Rulani Mokwena had denied the
fact that his side had taken their foot off the pedal since being crowned
league champions, it was once again evident in their performance on Tuesday evening,
until the second half that is, when the real Sundowns stood up and took
initiative, playing with increased intensity in search of the equalizer.
Towards the end of the match, the introduction of
their youth sensation, Siyabonga mabena, saw Sundowns move to third gear, and
they almost stole all three points on added on time when Mabena left Arrows
defenders for dead on the right hand channel before producing a sublime cut
back which was guided to the back of the net by Cassius Mailula, unfortunately
for Sundowns, the ball was adjudged to have already crossed the line by the
linesman.
Masandawa will now turn their attention to the
Nedbank Cup, where Stellenbosch FC awaits in a clash that will take place on
Saturday afternoon at Athlone Stadium.
