Mamelodi Sundowns missed the chance to close in on Absa Premiership leaders Kaizer Chiefs after dropping points against Bidvest Wits on Tuesday evening.
Masandawana boss Pitso Mosimane made only one change to the side that started in the Telkom Knockout final win over Maritzburg United, as Lyle Lakay took the place of the suspended Tebogo Langerman. Meanwhile, the Clever Boys also had only one change from their narrow win over Golden Arrows, as Haashim Domingo replaced Sameehg Doutie in the starting team.
After Thulani Hlatshwayo had squandered a early chance, Mosimane’s charges were clinical with their first clear opening in the 15th minute, as Andile Jali broke down the right before finding Themba Zwane, whose scuffed shot landed in the path of Gaston Sirino to net into a gaping net.
The Brazilians had a glorious opportunity to bag a second with ten minutes remaining of the first stanza after Mauricio Affonso cushioned his header for an unmarked Zwane in the box, but the Bafana Bafana midfielder sent his effort over the bar.
Gavin Hunt’s men worked their way back to the game in stoppage time of the first stanza, as Gift Motupa levelled matters with a powerful diving header that left Denis Onyango with no chance.
Sundowns should have restored their lead seven minutes from the break as Sphelele Mkhulise and Zwane exchanged passes on the right side of the box, with the latter having a pocket of space from the return pass at the near post but he struck his effort wide from close range.
The game was on the edge after the hour-mark, with the Brazilians getting better chances while Wits were threatening on counter-attacks as Motjeka Madisha rattled the crossbar with a towering header after the hour mark.
Hunt needed some pace in attack with 12 minutes remaining as Doutie replaced Elias Pelembe, while four minutes later Mosimane brought on Keletso Makgalwa for Zwane as both sides pushed for a winner.
Masandawana continued to find spaces in attack in the closing minutes but they could not find the finishing touches for the winner as the were the spoils were shared in the end.
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Source – SoccerLaduma
