A late goal from Gabadinho Mhango denied Mamelodi Sundowns maximum points after Moroka Swallows came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against the Brazilians at the Dobsonville Stadium on Monday.

The assistant referee concurred with Sundowns’ belief that the Malawian was offside before to his equaliser. But the referee, after conferring with his assistant for a few minutes, gave a goal.

“It was a very shocking decision, but we had enough chances to have been well ahead by then,” said Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena.

On a cool autumn night southwest of Johannesburg, Swallows were behind 2-0 after 56 minutes until Augustine Mahlonoko cut the lead in half with a tap-in.

Swallows became the only team this season to score twice against the reigning champions, despite finishing third bottom in the 16-club standings.

Teboho Mokoena gave Sundowns the lead with a drive from outside the area on minute 37, and Marcelo Allende of Chile doubled the lead with a deflected shot on minute 51.

After the draw, Sundowns, based in Pretoria, need to win the Premiership for the eighth time in a row and for the 14th time overall with 11 points from nine games.

With their eyes firmly fixed on Africa, Sundowns will depart Johannesburg on Tuesday in order to go to Tunisia for this weekend’s opening leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final against Esperance.

Photo by Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix