Sundowns come from behind
Posted: 28 October 2007 Time: 12:10
Mamelodi Sundowns came form a goal down to earn a 2-2 draw with Thanda Royal Zulu FC in an Absa Premier League match at the Absa Stadium in Durban on Sunday afternoon.
Although the Rabbits had the better of the opening stages, it was the Brazilians who scored first, when Josta Dladla volleyed home from a cross by Patrick Apataki in the 11th minute.
Bensons Mhlongo almost doubled the visitors’ lead in the 20th minute, but his goalbound shot from distance was superbly saved by host keeper Mandlenkosi Tsengwa.
The Rabbits almost pulled level four minutes later when Bernard Parker found himself in space, but his effort was saved by Sundowns keeper Brian Baloyi.
The score remained 1-0 at the break.
The hosts showed more urgency in the second period with Baloyi forced to makes saves from Bennet Mnguni and Parker in quick succession.
Roger Palmgren’s men were finally rewarded in the 72nd minute when Ryan Botha scored with a stunning left-footed shot in the top corner.
Thanda Royal Zulu took the lead three minutes later when Katlego Loke hit the back of the net from close range.
However, Sundowns were handed a lifeline in the 90th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Godfrey Mokoena fouled Dladla inside the area, and Lerato Chabangu stepped up to slot home from the spot.
HOME: Thanda Royal Zulu
- 33 Nimrod Tsengwa
- 2 James Sangala
- 4 Beaford Tshabalala
- 38 Tshepo Mashishi
- 11 Ryan Botha
89 mins - Joseph Kibe - 16 clement mazibuko
71 mins - Katleho Loke - 18 Bongani Mbhele
- 23 Bennet Mnguni
- 28 Sibusiso Zwane
86 mins - Brian Kgafane - 24 serge djiehoua
- 25 Bernard Parker
AWAY: Mamelodi Sundowns
- 22 Brian Baloyi
- 4 Oscar Ntwagae
- 20 Benson Mhlongo
- 80 Mbulelo Mabizela
- 2 Vuyo Mere
- 5 godfrey sapula
- 6 Jorge Acuna
80 mins - Tyren Arendse - 9 Josta Dladla
- 29 Lerato Chabangu
- 29 Dillon Sheppard
46 mins - manqoba ngwenya - 89 Patrick Apataki
64 mins - Elias Ngwepe