Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United shared the spoils after playing out to an entertaining 1-1 draw in the Tshwane derby at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Brazilians came out with intent in their opening exchanges of the game and nearly broke the deadlock when Thapelo Morena forced Ronwen Williams into making a great save to deny the midfielder’s volley from inside the box.

SuperSport responded and took the lead two minutes later after Thabo Mnyamane calmly slotted the ball past Denis Onyango to find the back of the net.

Sundowns had a chance to level matters in the 21st minute when Percy Tau directed a ball to Themba Zwane, but the attacker was unable to make any contact with the ball.

Tau should’ve handed Sundowns the lead after he tried to chip the Matsatsantsa shot-stopper at the far post, but Williams did well to stop his effort.

The home side came close to equalising when Tebogo Langerman’s cross found Zwane, but the midfielder directed his header straight into the path of Williams.

Morgan Gould had a chance to double SupoerSport’s lead just before the half-time interval, but the defender volleyed his effort over the target from close range.

Masandawana should’ve levelled matters five minutes into the second half when Sibusiso Vilakazi fired an effort at goal, but the substitute failed to direct his effort towards the target from close range.

Gaston Sirino came the closest to finding an equaliser in the 55th minute after his free kick from the edge of the area hit the post.

At the other end, Evans Rusike had a golden opportunity to double his side’s lead on the hour mark, but his effort hit the woodwork with Onyango well beaten.

Sundowns eventually found the equaliser in the 78th minute when Hlompho Kekana picked out Tau with his free kick before the forward showed his composure inside the box to slot the ball calmly past Williams from close range.

Clayton Daniels missed a glorious opportunity to put the gamer to bed, but the SuperSport defender failed to beat Onyango with his effort from inside the area.

Neither side were able to find the winning goal in the closing stages of the game.

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Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix