Downs remain unbeaten following Tshwane Derby stalemate

Mamelodi Sundowns extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches in the DStv Premiership this week, following their 1-1 draw with SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday night.

After gaining the upper hand in the 29th minute, courtesy of a Teboho Mokoena stunner, Bradley Grobler’s goal in the 33rd minute prevented Sundowns from recording their 15th win in the league.

As expected, Sundowns immediately settled on the ball and bossed proceedings during the first 10 minutes of the game. Waiting patiently, SuperSport sat back and looked to soak up the Brazilians' early pressure.

SuperSport proved to be a tough nut to crack midway through the first-half, while Sundowns played most of their football in the middle of the park. Matsatsantsa were aggressive in chasing the ball and often looked to disrupt Masandawana’s passing rhythm.

It appeared as though a moment of magic was needed to affect the scoreline, which was presented by Mokoena in the 29th minute of the match. After collecting the ball in midfield, Mokoena let off a thunderous right-footed shot from range that left Washington Arubi soundly beaten.

Not holding back, SuperSport drew level moments later, as Grobler joined Mokoena on the scoresheet in the 33rd minute. Following a set-piece situation on the right-hand side of the pitch, Lyle Lakay swung in a ball that was well-read by Grobler, who guided the ball home from close range at the far post.

Sundowns commenced the second-half on the front-foot and asserted themselves on the fixture by depriving SuperSport of the ball early on. The hosts actively searched for a second-goal but were met by doggish defending by Gavin Hunt’s charges

Despite bossing the possession count, Sundowns battled to create any notable scoring chances en-route to the hour-mark while SuperSport attacked in sporadic moments.

The Brazilians continued to probe as the 80th minute approached but were let down by poor finishing in the final third. In looking to change the complexion of the game, Rhulani Mokwena turned to the likes of Junior Mendieta and Thapelo Morena from the bench, however, SuperSport remained alert to Sundowns’ advances.

As the referee blew the final whistle, nothing could separate the Tshwane-giants at Loftus as the game ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Mamelodi Sundowns: (1) 1 (Mokoena 29’)

SuperSport United: (1) 1 (Grobler 33’)

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