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Shalulile saves Sundowns with late equaliser

football21 May 2024 19:51| © Backpage TXT
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Mamelodi Sundowns moved within one game of achieving legend status after playing out to a 1-1 draw with TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night

Rulani Mokwena's side are bidding to become the first club in South Africa's history to finish the season without losing a single match and only Cape Town City now stand in their way on the final day.

The Rockets pulled one point clear of SuperSport United in fourth place after extending their undefeated streak to five games.

Galaxy had a chance to cement fourth position in the table ahead of Matsatsantsa, Sekhukhune United and Cape Town City, while Bafana ba Style were looking to go 53 games unbeaten in the league.

The hosts made a bright start as they tested Ronwen Williams with a strike from range in the fifth minute that was comfortably dealt with before Lesiba Nku went close at the other end on 13 minutes when he just cleared the target on the volley.

Williams was called into action again midway through the first half to make a brave save at close range and Fiacre Ntwari could only parry a firm shot from Rivaldo Coetzee on 36 minutes, with Marcelo Allende steering the rebound wide of the post.

The two teams remained deadlocked at the break, although Sundowns threatened to open the scoring moments after the restart when Tashreeq Matthews flashed a first-time shot over the crossbar.

The visitors continued to push for the opener and Mothobi Mvala directed a header over the goal from a free-kick on 64 minutes before Aubrey Modiba saw his well-struck effort rise narrowly over the bar in the 74th minute.

But it was the Rockets who drew first blood with 12 minutes left on the clock as Puso Dithejane latched onto a pass from Samukelo Kabini and tucked his shot past Williams.

Peter Shalulile came to Masandawana's rescue just seven minutes later, though, drawing them level to keep their hopes alive of going through the season undefeated.

TS Galaxy: (0) 1 (Dithejane 78')

Mamelodi Sundowns: (0) 1 (Shalulile 85')

TS Galaxy: F. Ntwari, K. Sebelebele, M. Mahlangu, P. Sanoka, S. Kabini, T. Khiba (M. Mbunjana 84'), M. Mvelase, L. Mbatha (S. Nurkovic 90+1'), P. Dithejane, S. Mahlangu (O. Mongae 90+4'), L. Mojela.

Mamelodi Sundowns: R. Williams, S. Mbule (M. Mvala 46'), R. Coetzee, M. Lebusa, K. Mudau, S. Mkhulise (T. Mokoena 82'), M. Allende (L. Maboe 46'), A. Modiba, L. Nku (N. Maema 62'), P. Shalulile, T. Matthews (S. Mabena 62').

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