Mamelodi Sundowns Left Frustrated While Orlando Pirates Celebrate as Brazilians Held to a Draw by Stellenbosch

Sundowns appeared poised to secure all three points, but a last-minute penalty awarded to the visitors saw their impressive winning streak in the league come to a halt.

Let’s delve into the key takeaways from the match.

Winning streak halted

Sundowns could not extend their remarkable winning streak in the Betway Premiership, with this draw marking the end of their run at ten matches. Unfortunately, the 11th fixture proved to be an insurmountable challenge.

Nonetheless, it remains an outstanding period for the team, as they netted 23 goals while conceding only six during this stretch as they strive towards the conclusion of the season.

Although they never looked like conceding, this draw is a rarity between these teams, with Sundowns previously having triumphed over Stellenbosch in their last five league meetings.

Stellenbosch hadn’t found the back of the net against The Brazilians in top-flight matches since Devin Titus scored in 2023, resulting in nearly nine hours of play without a goal.

Missed opportunity for Titus

Devin Titus had a golden opportunity to give Stellenbosch the lead in the 17th minute but squandered it when a wayward back-pass from Aubrey Modiba presented him with a chance. However, the visiting winger could not capitalise, with Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams doing well to block his effort, deflecting it wide.

Sundowns draw first blood

It was Sundowns who opened the scoring in the 27th minute, although Stellenbosch may feel they should have defended better. It was a well-executed move from the home side. Modiba’s incisive pass found Tsiki Ntsabeleng, who combined effectively with Arthur Sales, and despite Genino Palace’s attempts to intercept, Ntsabeleng slotted the ball into the far corner, marking his second goal in five starts (and seven league appearances overall).

Controversial penalty for Stellenbosch

The visitors were awarded a penalty when Sundowns defender Khulumani Ndamane executed a reckless challenge on Stellenbosch’s Chumani Butsaka, prompting the referee Thando Ndzandzeka to point to the spot.

Tshegofatso Mabasa, who is on loan at Stellenbosch from Orlando Pirates, stepped up to take the penalty and, despite his initial shot being saved by Williams, he was quick to react and converted the rebound.

Controversy surrounded the play as the assistant referee flagged for an infringement on Williams for stepping off his line too soon during the penalty save but then lowered the flag when the rebound was scored, raising questions about whether the Sundowns players had ceased their pursuit of the ball upon seeing the flag.

Current standings

This draw is not a significant setback for Sundowns in their quest for the title, but rather a minor hiccup as they missed the chance to ascend back to the top of the table.

Orlando Pirates currently lead with 58 points from 25 matches, while Sundowns are just behind in second with 57 points accumulated from 24 games. That game in hand could prove vital going forward.

With Pirates maintaining a +39 goal difference compared to Sundowns’ +30, it feels as though it is nearly equivalent to an additional point at this juncture of the season.

Stellenbosch remains positioned in ninth place with 32 points, just two points short of breaking into the top half and securing a spot in next season’s MTN8.