Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by Marumo Gallants in a Betway Premiership match at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night.
Iqraam Rayners continued with his good form, scoring for Masandawana while Gallants equalised through an own goal by Keanu Cupido.
In the game, Sundowns also welcomed back Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau. The latter, who had not featured for the club since the FIFA Club World Cup, was named on the bench by Miguel Cardoso. Teboho Mokoena, who was rested for the Premiership clash against Magesi FC on Sunday, also made a return to the starting line-up.
Keanu Cupido was preferred in defence in place of Bathusi Aubaas, while Divine Lunga also started, with Aubrey Modiba relegated to the bench.
Jayden Adams also returned to the starting line-up with SA Under-20 international Kutlwano Letlhaku starting from the bench.
MARUMO GALLANTS MAINTAIN GOOD START TO THEIR BETWAY PREMIERSHIP SEASON
It was Gallants’ first match since the FIFA International break. Coach Alexandre Lafitte only made one change to his side that played to a 1-1 draw against Polokwane City FC last month.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who recently rejoined the club, replaced Tebogo Motloung and was named Man of the Match for his performance.
PSL record goal scorer Peter Shalulile was the first to pose a threat, but his left-footed shot from outside the 18-yard box went over the bar. The home side also had their moments with some quality display, but failed to show anything for it.
IQRAAM RAYNERS CONTINUE WITH SCORING FORM BUT NOT ENOUGH FOR VICTORY
Sundowns finally secured the opening goal of the match after an Iqraam Rayners header from the centre of the box following an assist from Marcelo Allende in the 28th minute.
But the Tshwane giants’ lead was short-lived, as the home side found an equaliser seven minutes later. Cupido scored an own goal after Ndlondlo’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, only to ricochet off Cupido and into the net, levelling the score for Gallants.
Both Sundowns and Gallants pressed for a winner, with Sundowns appearing more likely to score. However, their last chance of the game, a late shot from Mokoena, was saved.
Mudau was introduced for Thapelo Morena in the second half. Despite a few chances for both teams, the match ended 1-1. Sundowns remain in second place on the league log with 15 points, one point behind leaders Sekhukhune United.
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