Mamelodi Sundowns squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Moroka Swallows in the DStv Premiership clash on Monday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Moroka Swallows 2-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 15 April 2024
Venue: Dobsonville Stadium
Sundowns made four changes to the side that started against University of Pretoria in the Nedbank Cup, as they recalled Thembinkosi Lorch, Peter Shalulile, Khuliso Mudau and Divine Lunga.
The Brazilians were all over Swallows in the opening exchanges as they asked plenty of questions but the Birds firm at the back.
The Soweto outfit looked to play on counter-attacks and after just 12 minutes, they came out well as Roland Sanou went through on goal and fired a first-time shot that missed the gaping net wide.
As Sundowns kept on coming, Shalulile had a good opportunity midway into the first stanza after Akpeyi parried a shot on his path but the Namibian's strike was blocked.
Masandawana eventually went ahead eight minutes before the interval after a rocket from range by Teboho Mokoena that beat Akpeyi at full-stretch.
Mokoena seemingly pulled his hamstring from that shot, as he signalled for his substitution and was replaced by Sipho Mbule, as Sundowns went to the break with a narrow lead.
Rulani Mokwena's charges had an ideal start in the second stanza after they got the second goal five minutes in from a shot by Marcelo Allende that took a deflection in the box.
Swallows attacked freely after that and former Orlando Pirates midfielder Augustine Mahlonoko pulled a goal back just before the hour-mark with a shot into a gaping net after goalkeeper Ronwen Williams parried a header by Lindokuhle Mtshali on his path.
Mokwena refreshed the team with a double change shortly after that, as Thapelo Morena and Neo Maema replaced both Costa and Allende, which also meant a change of shape in attack.
Morena had a big chance for the Brazilians moments later after Shalulile set him up to have a tap-in at the back post but his effort lacked power and was saved by the diving Akpeyi.
The game opened up in the closing stages and Gabadinho Mhango levelled matters for Swallows in the dying minutes one-on-one with Williams after he was sent through on goal by a header from a Sundowns defender.
The goal by the Birds was initially ruled out for offside but belatedly given after the referee consulted with his assistant.
The Brazilians extended their lead at the top of the table to 14 points.
Here's how they lined up:
Moroka Swallows: 16. Akpeyi, 36. Maphahlele, 77. Nqgonga, 45. Mngonyama, 50. Nyauza, 28. Sanou, 8. Phalane, 37. Everson, 80. Mahlonoko, 10. Mtshali, 11. Mhango
Subs: 31. Mbanjwa, 25. Maponya, 19. Tshanini, 2. S.Sibiya, 24. V.Sibiya, 21. Khumalo, 33. Khupe, 17. Rampa, 6. Mthethwa
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 25. Mudau, 17. Modiba, 43. Lunga, 34. Mvala, 24. Mokoena, 19. Aubaas, 11. Allende, 45. Lorch, 23. Ribeiro, 38. Shalulile
Subs: 1. D.Onyango, 13. Boutouil, 27. Morena, 24. Mbule, 35. Maema, 22. Mabena, 77. Matthews, 18. Zwane
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