Sekhukhune United held Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1-1 draw at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Peter Shalulile scored on the stroke of halftime after Themba Zwane and Gaston Sirino executed a magnificent buildup, passing the ball into Shalulile’s path before blasting past Toaster Nsabata.
Shalulile came close to scoring early in the game, but his goal was disallowed due to an offside ruling. Masandawana’s usual fluid attacking play kept the home team on their toes for the first 45 minutes. Khuliso Mudau’s goal-bound shot nearly missed Nsabaa’s top post, followed by Aubrey Modiba’s long-range attempt a few minutes later.
The Brazilians dominated possession and won the ball anytime the hosts attempted to locate their own players, compelling Sekhukhune to defend deeply and look to play on the counterattack. Mshishi got an opportunity to shoot in the box after 30 minutes of attempting to break through the defense, but he stumbled and Sekhukhune reclaimed possession and neutralized the threat.
Roderick Kabwe of Sekhukhune launched a shot from outside the penalty area, but it did not trouble Ronwen Williams, who was inactive during the match. Bafana Ba Style were granted a free kick following Nyiko Mobbie’s handball outside the penalty area. Three Sundowns players stepped up, but Modiba was the one to take the effort, which went over the crossbar.
The Namibian international Shalulile scored his third league goal in the DStv Premiership after Mudau, Zwane, and Sirino executed a great buildup of play. Before the whistle blew to finish the first half at Polokwane, Zwane combined a pass to Sirino, who evaded the offside trap, with a pass to Shalulile, who scored the game-winning goal to give Masandawana the lead.
Downs lost the ball when they resumed play in the second half, and Sekhukhune raced forward in attack after grabbing the ball from the center line. The visitors were much improved after the interval. Linda Mntambo scored for Babina Noko less than a minute after the resumption of play, assisted by colleague Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Neo Maema was cautioned for a foul on Mntambo shortly after the home team equalized, but Sekhukhune were unable to increase their lead from the resulting free kick. The Brazilians displayed a vastly improved attack after halftime, stretching the home team with their play on the flanks. Zwane again attempted a long shot on goal, which this time came closer to Nsabata’s goalposts.
Shalulile had a chance to score a brace in the 60th minute when he found himself in the penalty area and lined up a shot. Sello Motsepe cleared the ball without error, and Sundowns was granted a corner kick. Following the corner kick, Sirino had a chance to extend the lead, but the 31-year-old winger hit the top of the goal.
Five minutes before the game ended, Mosiatlhage Abednego absolved Downs of responsibility by shooting into the hands of Williams. Shalulile and Sipho Mbule’s attempts to score the game-winning goal were thwarted by Nsabata, and both teams left the field with a single point.
This is how we lined up: R. Williams, A. Modiba (82′ Lakay), K Mudau (82′ Morena), B. Onyango, R. De Reuck, T. Mokoena, S. Mkhulise, N. Maema (82′ Kapinga), T. Zwane (82′ Mbule), G. Sirino (73′ Kutumela), P. Shalulile
Subs: K. Mweene, T. Morena, M. Lebusa, M. Mvala, L. Kapinga, A. Jali, L. Lakay, S. Mbule, T. Kutumel