Talking points as CT City end Sundowns’ winning streak in the DStv Premiership
Cape Town City FC put in a good performance to end Mamelodi Sundowns’ winning streak as they held the Tshwane giants to a goalless draw on Sunday afternoon in the DStv Premiership at DHL Stadium.
Both teams tried their all to find the back of the net. But they couldn’t hit the target. The stalemate leaves Sundowns still at the summit of the log with 34 points, while City are third with 26 points.
Below are the talking points as Sundowns dropped points for the first time this season.
CHANGES IN THE STARTING LINE-UPS
There were seven changes in the Sundowns team that defeated Pyramids FC of Egypt 1-0 last time out in the CAF Champions League.
Khuliso Mudau, Rivaldo Coetzee, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokwena, Themba Zwane and Marcelo Allende were replaced by Thapelo Morena, Reshine de Reuck, Bongani Zungu, Sipho Mbule, Sphelele Mkhulise and Gaston Sirino.
CT City had to do without strikers Khanyisa Mayo and Thabiso Kutumela. Mayo was shown a red card against Stellenbosch FC after receiving two yellow cards. As for Kutumela, he couldn’t play against his parent club as per loan agreement.
Coach Eric Tinkler madè four changes Luphumlo Sifumba, Thabo Nodada, Jaedin Rhodes and Joaquim Paciência came in for Mayo, Kutumela, Mark van Heerden and Brice Ambina.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS STILL UNBEATEAN IN 12 LEAGUE MATCHES
The draw was Sundowns’ 12 match this season without a defeat. The Tshwane giants have been unstoppable and ruthless defeating all their opponents.
To add, they have been scoring goals for fun and solid at the back. The Chloorkop-based side have a massive goal difference of 20. The 2023 African Football League champions have scored 23 goals and only conceded three.
The Brazilians have stretched their lead at the summit of the log standings to five points. They have also played less matches in the league [12], due their participation in AFL and CAF Campions League.
RONWEN WILLIAMS KEEPS HIS THIRD CLEANSHEET IN A ROW
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen returned to the starting line-up after missing the last two league matches as coach Rulani Mokwena was resting him.
He impressed once again in between the sticks as he kept his third cleansheet in a row. The last time the 31-year-old conceded a goal in the league was against rivals Kaizer Chiefs back in August.
Up next for Sundowns before the year ends will be two matches against Moroka Swallows and Polokwane City FC on 27th and 30th December respectively.
The Capetonians will be in action on the New Year’s Eve when they take on Cape Town Spurs in a local derby.
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