This archive report was first published on 22 August 2020.
On a frustrating evening for Mamelodi Sundowns, the defending champions were held to a 2-2 draw by Maritzburg United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday, August 21, 2020.
The result handed the initiative back to Kaizer Chiefs, who are now three points clear at the top of the log.
Coach Pitso Mosimane made a couple of changes to his side, with Ali Meza, Andile Jali, Lyle Lakay, Motjeka Madisha, Anele Ngcongca, and Promise Mkhuma making their way into the starting eleven.
The match started at a high pace, with both sides pressing each other and playing free-flowing football. It took the Brazilians 24 minutes to find the back of the net through a great finish by Hlompho Kekana.
However, the lead did not last long as Maritzburg United found the equaliser through Rushine De Reuck after the ball was not properly cleared.
The second half started at a high pace, and Masandawana showed intentions that they wanted the three points as they pushed United to their limit. They were duly rewarded when the referee awarded a penalty, which was calmly slotted in by Ricardo Nascimento.
However, the lead was short-lived as Thabiso Kutumela found the equaliser for Maritzburg United, beating Dennis Onyango with his shot. The tightly contested clash ended with the Brazilians being one man short as Nascimento was given his marching orders and will serve a two-match suspension.
The next game for Sundowns is against Golden Arrows on Monday at Dobsonville Stadium at 18:00 CAT (19:00 EAT), while their title rivals Kaizer Chiefs have a clash against Stellenbosch on Sunday at 18:00 CAT (19:00 EAT).
