DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows played to a goalless draw at the Mpumalanga Stadium on Wednesday night.
DStv Premiership
Result: Golden Arrows 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 08 May 2024
Venue: Mpumalanga Stadium
Brazilians coach Rulani Mokwena recalled the likes of Matias Esquivel, Mosa Lebusa and Aubrey Modiba after the win over Stellenbosch, as Peter Shalulile dropped to the bench.
It was a lively opening at the Mpumalanga Stadium, as Thembinkosi Lorch managed to sting the gloves of Arrows goalkeeper Ismael Watenga with a strike from distance while Ronwen Williams was called upon to keep out Knoz Mutizwa at the other end.
Mokwena was forced to make an alteration for the away sid after 28 minutes when top scorer Lucas Costa Ribeiro was taken off due to injury and replaced by Shalulile.
Even without the threat of Ribeiro, Sundowns continued to threaten going forward as Esquivel
For all your exclusive football content and breaking news, join our WhatsApp Channel here.
Sundowns had a rough start to the second period after being reduced to ten men when Lebusa was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Nguse, who was through on goal.
The visitors made a double change after that, as Themba Zwane and Esquivel made way for Thapelo Morena and Lesiba Nku to shore up the defence and midfield following Lebusa's dismissal.
Despite being a man down, Sundowns went close to taking the lead with 20 minutes to play as Marcelo Allende's corner found Shalulile, who sent his header inches wide of Watenga's goal.
That proved to be the final clear-cut opening as Sundowns remain unbeaten in the league while Arrows miss the chance move into the top eight.
Here's how they lined up:
Golden Arrows: Watenga, Cross , Cele, Shitolo, Theron, Zwane, Mutizwa, Sibiya, Dube, Dlamini, Nguse
Subs: Kayode, Zuke, Mwengani, Sibeko, Libamba, Ncube , Moon, Hlatshwayo, Lukhele
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Lebusa, Kekana, Coetzee, Modiba, Allende, Zwane, Esquivel, Ribiero, Lorch
Subs: Onyango, Mvala, Aubaas, Mbule, Maema, Mendieta, Nku, Morena, Shalulile
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
