Mamelodi Sundowns’ 15 game winning run finally came to an end after they were held to a 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday.

When Cassius Mailula scored in the 77th minute of the game in the rainy southwestern winelands town, it looked like the Pretoria team would keep going on a winning streak that began in September.

But with three minutes left, Iqraam Rayners scored a penalty to save a point for the home team. It was a fun game that either team could have won.

Sundowns beat their record of 11 league wins from the 2006-2007 season two months ago, and the draw in Stellenbosch shouldn’t stop them from becoming champions for the sixth straight year.

Even if the team in second place, SuperSport United, wins their last eight games, Sundowns will still finish first with eight points.

Sundowns are trying to win the Premiership, the South African FA Cup, and the CAF Champions League all at the same time this season.

They made it to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup three days ago by beating Marumo Gallants 3-1 in a rematch of the 2022 final. Namibian Peter Shalulile scored a hat-trick in that game, which was also a rematch of the final.

But the prize Sundowns wants most is the Champions League, which they won in 2016 and is the best competition for African clubs.

This Saturday, the South Africans will play Al Ahly of Egypt at home. If they win, they will be in the quarterfinals. Al Ahly has won the African Cup of Nations a record 10 times.

Photo by Shaun Roy/BackpagePix