Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Bidvest Wits
Date: 07 January 2020
Venue: Loftus Versfled Stadium
Mamelodi Sundowns failed to move within one point of Absa Premiership leaders Kaizer Chiefs after dropping points against 10-man Bidvest Wits on Tuesday evening.
The Clever Boys were without the services of star midfielder Thabang Monare, while Pitso Mosimane named the side that cruised to victory over AmaZulu this past weekend.
The opening exchanges proved to be a quite tight affair as both sides gave nothing away in the opening 20 minutes, with both Ricardo Goss and Denis Onyango having nothing do between the sticks.
Sundowns had to wait until the 32nd minute for their first meaningful opening, but the young Sphelele Mkhulise steered his header wide of the upright at the far post.
Wits' Goss ensured the sides went into the interval all square after producing a fine save to keep out Lebohang Maboe's header at the far post, as the Clever Boys defence were caught out by another cross to the far side.
The Clever Boys got off to the worst possible start to the second half after being reduced to 10 men when Buhle Mkhwanazi received his marching orders on 56 minuts after picking up a second yellow card.
In an attempt get something out of the game, Hunt introduced Rowan Human for Gift Motupa with 15 minutes remaining in the second half, while Keletso Makgalwa replaced Maboe for Sundowns minutes later.
Sundowns nearly got he breakthrough in the 81st minute as Thapelo Morena and Zwane combined to set up Sibusiso Vilakazi, who was denied by a superb one-handed save by Goss.
However, Wits were able to hold out until the final whistle and clinch a crucial point to move up to third, while Sundowns remain in second spot.
Sundowns: 14. Onyango, 27. Morena, 4. Langerman, 2. Madisha, 6. Arendse, 15. Jali, 8. Kekana, 18. Zwane, 21. Mkhulise, 11. Vilakazi, 33. Maboe.
Subs: 1. Mweene, 29. Soumahoro, 13. Mabduna, 25. Ngoma, 7. Lakay, 16. Ngcongca, 26. Makgalwa.
Wits: 23. Goss; 13. Hlanti, 15. Mkhwanazi, 3. Hlatshwayo, 24. Macheke; 11. Hotto, 17. Alexander, 14. Nange, 26. Khunyedi; 25. Motupa, 19. Domingo.
Subs: 1. Petersen, 4. Nonyane, 21. Doutie, 27. Ritchie, 28. Macuphu, 31. Human, 37. Dzvukumanja.
