Mamelodi Sundowns were left frustrated after playing to a 0-0 draw against Bloemfontein Celtic in the Absa Premiership at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The Brazilians came out the better side and looked the more lively team in the opening exchanges of the match.
Toni Silva should have given Sundowns an early lead, but the forward’s glancing header from inside the area deflected off the woodwork in the 10th minute with Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb well beaten.
Siwelele came close to breaking the deadlock after 20 minutes, but Sundowns shot-stopper Denis Onyango produced two great saves to deny Ndumiso Mabena and Lantshane Phalane’s efforts.
The visitors started to dominate proceedings after the half-hour mark while Celtic were forced to sit back and soak up the pressure.
Phakamani Mahlambi had a chance to hand his side the lead 10 minutes before the break, but the attacker directed his curling free-kick wide of the target.
The game went into the half-time interval with the scoreline all squared at 0-0.
Mahlambi nearly got the breakthrough for his side when he darted past a few Celtic players before his shot deflected off a defender and almost settled into the back of the net.
Hlmopho Kekana had a chance of his own after 59 minutes, but the Sundowns captain was unable to find the target as his effort sailed high and wide.
The home side started to gain more momentum as they went in search of a goal as Tshegofatso Mabaso forced Onyango into making a brilliant save to deny his effort at goal.
Lorenzo Gordinho had a great chance to break the deadlock when he rose above Ricardo Nascimento to head the ball towards goal, forcing Onyango to make a reflex save to deny the defenders goal-bound effort.
The home side should have made it 1-0 in their favour after substitute Tebogo Potsane was played through on goal with acres of space, but Onyango came off his line before the attacker pulled the trigger forcing the attacker to lose his composure and send his effort wide of the target.
Sundowns had the ball in the back of the net in the 84th minute, but the referee disallowed the goal when Jose Ali Meza sent a swinging cross into the path of Lebohang Maboe, who slotted the ball into the net. However, Themba Zwane, drifted offside and although he did not interfere with play the official deemed that he was too close to the ball, which prompted the flag to be raised.
Both sides pressed forward in search of the winning goal in the closing stages of the game, but were forced to settle for a point each as the match ended goalless.
In other Absa Premiership results:
Orlando Pirates 0-0 Golden Arrows
Chippa United 1-0 Free State Stars
Black Leopards 1-0 Baroka
