Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows went into the halftime break with the score level at 1-1 on Wednesday evening.
Betway Premiership
Result: Golden Arrows 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 05 March 2025
Venue: Mpumalanga Stadium
Sundowns welcomed veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango back in the starting line-up after his suspension, while Tashreeq Matthews, Thapelo Morena and Bathusi Aubaas were also recalled following Saturday's win over Kaizer Chiefs.
Manqoba Mngqithi came against his former side after being appointed on Monday, and they made their intentions clear early on as Ryan Moon and Olwethu Ncube forced Onyango into a couple saves in the opening 10 minutes.
While Sundowns did dominate possession, it was Arrows who took the lead in the 31st minute as Sbonelo Cele sent a free-kick into the box where Keenan Phillips was on hand to head home his first league goal of the season.
Miguel Cardoso's charges looked to get back in the contest in the latter stages of the first half and were given a lifeline three minutes before the halftime break after being awarded a penalty, which Lucas Costa Ribeiro converted for his 13th league goal of the season.
Cardoso opted for a double change at the start of the second half, as Adams and Khoza made way for Lucas Suarez and Teboho Mokoena in an attempt to regain the lead.
The Brazilians were more dominant in the second period as they pushed for the second goal but the clear-cut chances were hard to come by, as Mokoena went close with a strike from distance that sailed just over the target.
Cardoso introduced Arthur Sales and young Kutlwano Lethaku in the final 30 minutes, with the former nearly making the perfect impact after seeing his shot saved by Ismael Watenga between the sticks.
However, Watenga ensured Arrows walked away with a point after producing a save at point-blank range to deny Sales, who should have done better as Mngqithi started his Arrows reign with a point against his former side.
Here's how they lined up:
Golden Arrows: 1. Watenga, 33. Phillips, 5. Shitolo, 35. Mantshiyane, 31. Ncube, 24. Dlamini, 12. Ndwandwe, 30. Cele, 11. Sibiya, 14. Van Rooi, 9. Moon
Subs: 34. Maova, 19. Sibeko, 16. Lukhele, 41. Zwane, 15. Zuke, 7. Malinga, 6. Tlolane, 18. Mutizwa, 37. Mchunu
Mamelodi Sundowns: 1. Onyango, 27. Morena, 5. Lebusa, 42. Khoza, 6. Modiba, 11. Allende, 15. Aubaas, 44. Adams, 19. Ribeiro, 17. Matthews, 38. Shalulile
Subs: 36. February, 32. Suarez, 13. Lunga, 28. Mdunyelwa, 4. Mokoena, 21. Mkhulise, 46. Letlhaku, 33. Maseko, 9. Sales
