- 17 DEC 2019
Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns played out a 1-1 stalemate in a thrilling Absa Premiership clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Tuesday evening.
Gaston Sirino fired the Brazilians in front before Gift Motupa’s equaliser in first-half stoppage time. The result does neither team any favours in their pursuit of league leaders Kaizer Chiefs, but moves them up to second and fourth on the log standings respectively.
A point takes league holders Sundowns nine points adrift of the Amakhosi, while Wits sit 14 points off top spot, but having played three games less than the top two teams in the league.
Sundowns carried on from where they left off against Maritzburg United in the Telkom Knockout final this past weekend, as they opened the scoring with just 15 minutes on the clock through their Uruguayan magician.
A rejuvenated Andile Jali picked Thabang Monare’s pocket before embarking on a long-busting run down the right flank, he then found Themba Zwane who played the ball back for Sirino to pass into an open net.
Wits almost hit straight back as Haashim Domingo called Denis Onyango into action moments after the restart. The midfielder then saw his volley attempt in the 22nd minute whistle inches wide of goal.
The Clever Boys levelled matters on the cusp of halftime. Deon Hotto controlled superbly from a Ricardo Goss goal kick before teeing up Motupa who continued his scoring form with a bullet header past Onyango.
Both teams created chances to win the game after the break with the most notable falling to Motjeka Madisha in the 65th minute.
The Sundowns defender lost his marker from a corner-kick before directing a floating header onto the woodwork and out of danger.
Elias Pelembe and Sphelele Mkhulise were particularly menacing for either of the two sides, but in the end both teams had to settle for a point apiece.
Bidvest Wits (1) 1 (Motupa 45+1′)
Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 1 (Sirino 15′)
Bidvest Wits: Goss; Hlanti, Mkhwanazi, Hlatshwayo, Macheke, Monare, Alexander, Pelembe (Doutie 78′), Hotto, Domingo (Nange 55′), Motupa (Macuphu 61′).
Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango; Morena, Lebusa, Madisha, Lakay, Kekana, Jali, Zwane (Makgalwa 81′), Mkhulise, Sirino (Ngcongca 90+5′), Affonso (Maboe 90+4′).© Backpage TXT
SOURCED FROM THE PSL WEBSITE.
