Sipho Mbule’s header helped Mamelodi Sundowns from the jaws of suffering their first loss since September after collecting a draw at Golden Arrows in a DStv Premiership match played at Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday.
Mbule climbed highest in the 74th minute to beat Sifiso Mlungwana, who was left embarrassed as the ball slipped through his fingers.
That left Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena punching the air in delight, after Ryan Moon had put the home side ahead.
It means Sundowns are still on course to break their own record of points accumulated in the 2015/16 season where they gained 71 points under coach Pitso Mosimane.
That was also the last time Arrows defeated Sundowns in Durban, a 2-1 win in September 2015 when Mabhuti Khenyeza, now co-coach, scored alongside Ryan Chapman when Clinton Larsen was in charge at Chatsworth Stadium. But that stung Sundowns to life to go all the way to win the league title.
Sundowns, who have been unstoppable this season, last lost a league match against SuperSport United in September.
They came to this game having drawn the last two matches – firing blanks, which is uncharacteristic for the club that has set up high standards.
But they have won the league with seven games to spare, the earliest this has been done in the PSL era.
Arrows started well, Moon setting up Knox Mutizwa, but he was closed down by Abdelmounaim Boutouil, in what was the first start by the Moroccan defender in the league.
Second chance Arrows made it count in the 23rd minute. Moon punished Sundowns with a first time hit shot from Divine Lunga’s cross to beat Ronwen Williams.
Sundowns had suffered a blow before the goal was scored as Bongani Zungu was left bloodied in the face when he challenged the corner before the goal was scored. He was replaced by goal scorer Mbule.
Arrows continued to hold their own to frustrate Sundowns, with Ahmed Nasir coming close twice, leaving coach Mokwena clutching his face.
– Advertisement –
Mokwena was also let down by Cassius Mailula, who was marshaled well by Arrows’ defence in the first half.
As it was a much-changed Sundowns side, they struggled to find their inter-passing that has made it difficult for everyone since Mokwena was appointed in October last year.
Nasir broke away and again he was denied by Mlungwana, who produced another big save in the 54th minute.
Then Sundowns increased the speed of attack with Mailula coming close as again Mlungwana tipped another shot away for a corner. But Mbule saved Mokwena’s blushes with a towering header.
Sundowns almost stole it at the end, with Siyabonga Mabena smashing the crossbar and Mlungwana denying Siphelele Mkhulise from close range to see the spoils shared.
Meanwhile, Marumo Gallants from a goal down to beat Chippa United 3-1 thanks to a hat-trick by Ranga Chivaviro. The win saw them overtake the Chilla Boys on the log, who have now dropped into the relegation playoff spot.
