Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United shared the spoils in the Tshwane Derby after playing to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 SuperSport United
Date: 12 March 2024
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Sundowns made four changes to the side that beat Chippa United, as Themba Zwane, Gaston Sirino, Matias Esquivel and Grant Kekana were recalled.
The game got off to a great pace but the Brazilians almost went ahead on 11 minutes from a set-piece after Esquivel's effort from just outside the box missed just past the top corner.
As Rulani Mokwena's charges gained momentum, Teboho Mokoena also came close eight minutes later with a threatening shot from range that flashed past the upright.
As Masandawana remained on the front foot, Mokoena eventually broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark with a screamer from range that gave goalkeeper Washington Arubi no chance.
However, Matsatsantsa had an almost immediate response after Bradley Grobler made it 1-1 with a close-range shot towards the bottom corner from a set-piece routine.
Sundowns regained their dominance and Mokoena had another crack just before the interval but Arubi was equal to the task, as the sides went to the break level pegging.
The Brazilians had a quick start in the second stanza as three minutes from the break Thembinkosi Lorch forced a save out of Arubi with a snap shot on the edge of the box.
However, despite dominating possession Masandawana found a strong resistance from Gavin Hunt's charges, who were applying a deep block.
Looking for solutions to break down SuperSport with 20 minutes to go, Mokwena brought on the fresh legs and different approach in attack as Sipho Mbule, Peter Shalulile and Tashreeq Matthews entered the fray.
Sundowns continued to pressurize United and Shalulile had a good chance in the dying minutes after he won possession to go through in the box but his decision-making let him down.
Matsatsantsa remained hard to break down in the tail end as the game ended all square.
Sundowns extended their lead at the top of the log to 13 points and stretched their unbeaten run in the league to 42 games.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 44. Mdunyelwa, 43. Lunga, 20. Kekana, 8. Zungu, 4. Mokoena, 18. Zwane, 11. Allende, 9. Esquivel, 45. Lorch, 10. Sirino
Subs: 1. D.Onyango, 13. Boutouil, 27. Morena, 19. Aubaas, 24. Mbule, 39. Maboe, 70. Matthews, 15. Mendieta, 38. Shalulile
SuperSport United: 32. Arubi, 42. Baloyi, 8. Ndlovu, 23. Margeman, 3. Hlatshwayo, 13. Okon, 36. Matodzi, 12. Lakay, 21. Campbell, 17. Lungu, 7. Grobler.
Subs: 30. Xulu, 4. Allan, 14. Bhasera, 5. Xulu, 31. Makubo, 6. Nange, 11. Dzvukamanja, 38. Moralo, 45. Mahlangu
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