Mamelodi Sundowns have finally conceded a goal after they drew 2-2 with SuperSport United, while Orlando Pirates secured a comfortable win over Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs dropped points against AmaZulu.
Neo Maema, Lyle Lakay and Pavol Safranko were drafted into the starting lineup for Sundowns, while Thamsanqa Gabuza was named up front for SuperSport ahead of Bradley Grobler, who started from the bench.
SuperSport got off to a good start and should’ve opened the scoring inside the first minutes, but Thamsanqa Gabuza could only rattle the crossbar with his curling effort.
Sundowns responded and nearly broke the deadlock themselves but in-form striker Peter Shalulile fired his effort inches wide of target after latching on to a loose ball in the box.
The home side gained some momentum after the 16th minute as Pavol Šafranko nearly found the back of the net with his first-time effort after meeting a Neo Maema cross.
United produced another opportunity in the final third after 20 minutes as Ghampani Lungu did well to keep the ball in and cross a wonderful ball to Gabuza, whose header was cleared before the ball fell to Guily Manziba, who blazed his shot over the target.
Shalulile should have handed Sundowns the lead eight minutes later but fired his thunderous shot off the crossbar from outside the area.
Sundowns did eventually take the lead in stoppage time when Themba Zwane set up Maema, who unleashed a beautiful curling long-range effort to beat United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams as the game went into the break.
The Brazilians came out guns blazing in the second half and doubled their lead minutes in, after Shalulile slotted the ball past the United keeper after he was picked out by a classy ball from Maema.
SuperSport should have pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute but Teboho Mokoena saw his powerful header saved by the outstretched Onyango, before Jamie Webber blazed his shot wide of goal seven minutes later.
The visitors made their first substitution of the game in the 64th minute as Jesse Donn was replaced by Iqraam Rayners before Sundowns brought on Gaston Sirino and Thabiso Kutumela in place of Zwane and Safranko two minutes later.
Sundowns finally conceded a goal this season when Mokwena unleashed a shot from distance, which Onyango spilt into the path of Lungu, who slotted the ball into an empty net.
SuperSport opted to make a change up front in the 70th minute as the dangerous Gabuza was taken off and replaced by Bradley Grobler.
Shalulile had a chance to complete his brace and grab Sundowns’ third goal in the 76th minute, but the striker’s close-range effort was well kept out by Williams.
The defending champions then conceded their second goal this campaign after Mokwena found the back of the net with a sensational free kick to the bottom corner to draw the game level.
SuperSport pushed forward in search of a winning goal in the closing stages, but were unsuccessful despite creating numerous scoring chances as they walked away with a point away from home.
In other DStv Premiership results:
Marumo Gallants 0-0 Maritzburg United
A missed penalty by Thabo Mnyamane had Marumo Gallants remaining at the foot of the DStv Premiership table after they played out to a goalless draw with Maritzburg United.
Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 AmaZulu
A second-half goal from Bongi Ntuli cancelled out Keagan Buchanan’s own goal as AmaZulu fought back to secure a point after they held Kaizer Chiefs to a 1-1 draw at the FNB Stadium.
Stellenbosch FC 0-3 Orlando Pirates
A brace from Deon Hotto inspired Orlando Pirates to secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven Stadium.
