A stunning strike from Richard Mbulu in the dying stages of the second half saw Baroka FC clinch a point against DStv Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
DStv Premiership
Result: Baroka 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 14 February 2022
Venue: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
The Brazilians made two changes to the side that beat Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League, as Bradley Ralani came in for Gaston Sirino while Teboho Mokoena got his first start in place of Rivaldo Coetzee, who was not in the squad.
The game was open in the early stages but Sundowns came close to going ahead from a set-piece in the 20th minute after Lyle Lakay curled a low strike that rattled the near post.
Baroka had a big chance to break the deadlock just after that after they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Rushine De Reuck in the box, but Mashweu Mphahlele ballooned his spot-kick over the crossbar.
Sundowns took control thereafter, as Lakay came close to breaking the deadlock ten minutes before the halftime break with a looping strike from outside the box that crashed against the crossbar.
However, Masandawana were forced to make a change just before the break after Pavol Safranko was stretchered off and replaced by new signing Erwin Saavedra.
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The hosts got reward after the break as Lakay eventually curled a free-kick from the edge of the box into the top corner, after hitting the woodwork in the first stanza.
The Brazilians were continued to hold Bakgaga in their own half, however, they were not creating clear chances in open play, as Lakay came close to doubling their lead in the 66th minute with a dipping free-kick from range that came off the crossbar.
Sundowns made a double tactical change to manage the game in the last 12 minutes, as Grant Kekana replaced Themba Zwane and Neo Maema came on for Peter Shalulile.
The Brazilians were absorbing the pressure in the dying minutes and they were punished in stoppage time after Richard Mbulu netted the equaliser for Baroka with a stunning volley into the far post, as Sundowns moved 18 points clear at the top of the log.
Here's how they lined up:
Baroka: 1. Chipezeze, 2. Mphahlele, 33. Farmer, 3. Gebhardt, 6. Sibiya, 11. Sithole, 12. Mgaga, 16. Dlala, 17. Kambala, 27. Makgopa, 37. Bombi.
Subs: 30. Masuluke, 7. Mokhabi, 8. Goldstone, 9. Mbulu, 19. Chauke, 21. Masiya, 23. Ngubane, 28. Monama, 29. Bobete.
Sundowns: 14. D.Onyango, 6. B. Onyango, 28. De Reuck, 7. Lakay, 25. Mudau, 26. Mokoena, 29. Ralani, 15. Jali, 18. Zwane, 38. Shalulile, 9. Safranko.
Subs: 1. Mweene, 39. Saavedra, 27. Morena, 35. Maema, 17. Modiba, 22. Kapinga, 13. Lunga, 4. Kekana, 34. Mvala.
