A 10-man Mamelodi Sundowns shared the spoils with Golden Arrows after a 0-0 draw in a DStv Premiership tie on Wednesday at Mpumalanga Stadium in KZN.
Masandawana were reduced to ten men when Mosa Lebusa was sent off in the early stages of the second-half.
Sundowns, as expected, controlled the opening stages of the match, enjoying a significant advantage in ball possession. However, clear-cut chances were scarce.
Thembinkosi Lorch had the first promising opportunity for Arrows, denied from close range by a great save from Arrows goalkeeper, Ismail Watenga. Rulani Mokwena’s side started targeting the left flank and exploiting Lorch’s runs, but Arrows remained solid.
Steve Komphela’s troops had an opportunity to break the deadlock in the 14th minute when Knox Mutizwa found himself behind the Sundowns’ defence but was effectively dealt with by Grant Kekana.
Watenga was called into action again shortly after, denying a curling effort from Lucas Ribeiro. On the counter-attack, Arrows threatened through Mutizwa and Nduduzo Sibiya, but Ronwen Williams produced two crucial saves in quick succession to deny them.
Despite their dominance in possession, Mamelodi Sundowns struggled to create clear openings. In the 28th minute, an injury to Lucas Ribeiro forced a change, with Peter Shalulile replacing him. Five minutes later, Matias Esquivel squandered a chance, putting Themba Zwane’s cross narrowly over the bar.
Just before halftime, Williams committed a professional foul to stop Mutizwa in a one-on-one situation. Arrows were awarded a free kick but couldn’t capitalise, and the score remained goalless at half-time.
MUSA LEBUSA’S RED CARD
The second half began dramatically within the first five minutes. Sundowns were reduced to ten men when Mosa Lebusa received a red card for a last-man challenge on Lungelo Nguse.
Rulani Mokwena reacted swiftly, bringing on Thapelo Morena and Lesiba Nku to replace Themba Zwane and Matias Esquivel. This tactical shift saw Mudau move into a centre-back position while Morena took over the right-back role.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Sundowns remained determined to score. Junior Mendieta came close with a long-range effort that Ugandan goalkeeper Ismail Watenga parried over the bar for a corner. The resulting corner was comfortably defended by Golden Arrows.
Watenga continued to be a thorn in Sundowns’ side, making another fantastic save to deny Mendieta’s shot after a cutback from Aubrey Modiba. In the 86th minute, he pulled off yet another sensational save, stopping a thunderous shot from Marcelo Allende inside the box.
Points were shared at the end with neither team finding the back of the net.
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