Sundowns’ DStv Premiership winning streak snapped by vibrant Stellenbosch FC
Mamelodi Sundowns’ long winning run in the DStv Premiership has ended at 15 matches after a 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC.
On a wet afternoon, with the pitch slippery, it took two late goals from either side to settle the game. Cassius Mailula’s 76th-minute goal opened the scoresheet before Iqram Rayners drew level 10 minutes later from the spot.
Mamelodi Sundowns were on the back foot for the first 10 minutes of the game before slowly coming into the game.
SUNDOWNS MADE SEVERAL CHANGES
Understandably, Sundowns made a few changes in Reyaad Pieterse, Rivaldo Coetzee, Grant Kekana, debutant Nkosi Ntando, Terrence Mashego and Haashim Domingo after their win over Marumo Gallants FC.
Domingo and Mashego were coming from injuries, while Pieterse was getting his first start of the season.
Ntando, on the other hand, was making his first start after a substitute appearance midweek.
An uneventful first half had a low overhead kick from Junior Mendieta as a highlight. Pieterse was equal to the task, making a save in a lively start to the match.
Sundowns didn’t have it all their way but struggled to get out of tight spaces and had Mendieta threatened again with a half-volley in the area as the visitors failed to clear a free kick.
To show that the hosts held their own against the champions, the Brazilians’ first chance came around the half-hour mark through Domingo’s snapshot following a loose ball in the area, but goalkeeper Sage Stephens saved comfortably.
Masandawana battled continuously to sustain the fierce challenges by the Maroons as the half winded down but enjoyed a lot of the ball in forward areas.
The two teams went to the break goalless, and until after the hour mark, none of the two teams made any changes.
SIPHO MBULE BACK IN THE FOLD
Sipho Mbule, who was in the media all week over an alleged suspension, was thrown into the fray just after the hour mark.
He had a forgettable outing after losing the ball in Sundowns’ half a few minutes after coming on.
About nine minutes after Mailula scored from a well-placed set-piece, Mbule was at fault again.
A clumsy lunge on Stellenbosch’s Sibande in the box resulted in a penalty. Rayners made no mistake from the spot, levelling the scores.
The result means Stellies have gone five games without a loss, and they will hope to build on the performance.
In other DStv Premiership matches, AmaZulu beat Chippa United 2-0, thanks to goals by Sede Dion and Mbongeni Gumede.
Troubled TS Galaxy played a goalless draw against Marumo Gallants, who anchor the log standings.
RELATED STORY: Latest on Sipho Mbule at Mamelodi Sundowns