Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 2-1 defeat against Cape Town City, while Polokwane City were held by Baroka in the Absa Premiership at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Pitso Mosimane’s side dominated the match in the opening stages, but Sundowns players Khama Billiat and Sibusiso Vilakazi struggled to break down City’s defence in the final third.
It was City who broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Aubrey Ngoma picked out Lebogang Manayma, who side-footed his effort into the back of the net from six yards out.
The Brazilians started gaining momentum 35 minutes into the match when Hlompho Kekana forced City goalkeeper Shu-Aib Walters into making a fine save to deny the midfielder a powerful free kick from distance.
Eric Tinkler’s men looked more threatening going forward when Manyama nearly scored his second, but his effort from close range could only rattle the upright.
In the opening 45 minutes Sundowns struggled to carve out clear-cut chances and they went into the break trailing 1-0.
Sundowns looked a better side in the second half and levelled matters in the 57th minute when defender Thabo Nthethe headed the ball home from a Billiat cross.
In the 80th minute, City had an opportunity to take the lead for the second time when Manyama set up Lehlohonolo Majoro with only Kennedy Mweene to beat, but the striker took one too many touches on the ball and missed the chance to restore his side’s lead.
However, City did nose in front two minutes later when Ngoma picked out Manyama, who slotted the ball home to complete his brace from 12 yards out.
Sundowns pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but were unable to break down the City defence, as Tinkler’s side held on to a 2-1 victory over Sundowns, who remain winless in the Absa Premiership.
Meanwhile, Baroka and Polokwane City were forced to share the spoils of a Limpopo derby following their 2-2 draw at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in the Absa Premiership.
Baroka came out guns blazing in the first six minute and were rewarded with the opening goal, when Nyasha Monetsi was left unmarked as he freely netted a low right-footed shot from up close to make it 1-0.
Rise and Shine responded swiftly and found an equaliser in the 13th minute when Rodney Ramagalela scored from the rebound of his previous effort at goal to make it 1-1.
Polokwane took the lead in the 59th minute when Ramagalela’s cross found Puleng Tlolane, who headed home from close range for 2-1.
However, Baroka levelled matters in the final minutes when Tshepiso Liatsisa’s curled his free kick into the back of the net to beat the Polokwane goalkeeper and finalise a 2-2 draw.
Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
