Mamelodi Sundowns’ record run of wins in the DStv Premiership came to an end, after drawing 1-1 with Stellenbosch at a cold and wet Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Rulani Mokwena made a number of changes to the starting line-up, that played last week in the Nedbank Cup.
Thapelo Morena’s effort in the opening ten minutes flew over Sage Stephens’ goal, while Junior Mendieta forced a save from Reyaad Pieterse in the 18th minute. Haashim Domingo’s first-time effort in the 28th minute lacked power and was straight at Stephens.
Buoyed on by a large crowd who turned out at the stadium despite the rainy weather, the game was played at a great pace, with end-to-end action, though clear-cut efforts were few and far between. Jayden Adams’ glancing header in the 31st minute from a corner flew across the face of goal.
Morena and Peter Shalulile combined well in the 40th minute, but Morena’s final effort went just wide of the upright. Shalulile had a good chance two minutes later but shot across the face of goal and wide.
Just before the break Neo Maema tested Stephens, but the Stellies keeper made the save to keep it goalless at the break.
Pieterse made a good save from Adams in the 55th minute, and again three minutes later from the save player.
Looking for a change in momentum, Sundowns made a triple change just after the hour mark, bringing on Cassius Mailula, Aubrey Modiba and Sipho Mbule, who returned from suspension.
And it paid off as Mailula finally broke the deadlock, firing in from close range to make it 1-0 in the 77th minute.
But Stellies were awarded a penalty in the 86th minute after a foul by Mbule in the box, and Iqraam Rayners made no mistake from the spot to level matters.
Sundowns had a chance to win it in stoppage time, but Teboho Mokoena’s attempt hit the crossbar, and when the final whistle blew, it remained 1-1.
