Mamelodi Sundowns
PRETORIA – Title-chasing Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient SuperSport United in a fierce Tshwane derby at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday, leaving the DStv Premiership’s top spot unchanged but extending their unbeaten run to 18 matches.
The match kicked off with Masandawana taking charge, dominating possession as they looked to break down SuperSport’s disciplined defensive setup. But it was Teboho Mokoena’s brilliance in the 29th minute that broke the deadlock with a stunning right-footed strike from distance. Reflecting on his goal, Mokoena said, “You sometimes need that bit of luck, but when I hit it, I knew it was going in. It’s always special to score in a big game like this.”
However, their joy was short-lived as Matsatsantsa replied swiftly through Bradley Grobler in the 33rd minute. Grobler praised his teammates for their tenacity, stating, “We showed character tonight. Coming back so quickly after they scored shows the spirit in this team.”
After the restart, Sundowns upped the tempo, monopolizing the ball and pressing for a winner. But in front of a packed stadium, SuperSport, led by the experienced Gavin Hunt, stood firm against the onslaught.
Approaching the hour mark, Sundowns’ frustration grew as they found themselves unable to translate their possession into clear cut chances. Speaking after the match, head coach Rhulani Mokwena acknowledged his team’s battle to break down the opposition, admitting, “We were in control for most parts, but we missed that killer instinct in front of goal. We’ll work on that.”
On the contrary, SuperSport manager Gavin Hunt lauded his team’s spirited defense. Hunt said, “We had to dig deep tonight. Sundowns is a quality side, but my boys showed that we can compete with resilience and determination.”
With the clock winding down, tactical substitutions, including the introduction of Junior Mendieta and Thapelo Morena, failed to impact the game for the Brazilians, as SuperSport clung to the draw with tenacity.
As the final whistle sounded, neither side could claim the three points, and while Sundowns maintained their position at the top, SuperSport demonstrated that they are not to be underestimated.
The result keeps the Premiership race alive with Sundowns looking to secure their dominance in the remaining fixtures, and SuperSport proving they can mix it with the league’s best.
Mamelodi Sundowns now turns their attention to their next encounter, where they aim to return to winning ways, while SuperSport United will be buoyed by this performance as they continue their campaign.
Final Score: Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 1 – SuperSport United (1) 1
Scorers:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Teboho Mokoena (29’)
SuperSport United: Bradley Grobler (33’)
Lineups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Kekana, Mokoena, Zungu, Mdunyelwa, Allende, Zwane (Mbule 70’), Lunga (Morena 84’), Sirino (Shalulile 70’), Esquivel (Mendieta 83’), Lorch (Matthews 69’)
SuperSport United: Arubi, Okon, Hlatshwayo, Baloyi, Matodzi (Moralo 71’), Campbell (Mahlangu 71’), Margeman (Allan 91’), Ndlovu, Lakay, Grobler, Lungu
