Matloga denies Sundowns top spot

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Percy Tau of Mamelodi Sundowns is challenged by Olaleng Shaku of Baroka

A stoppage-time penalty by Richard Matloga helped Baroka come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS

Pitso Mosimane’s side returned to winnings ways after they came off the back of a 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates, with his side currently placed second in the PSL standings.

Meanwhile, Jacob Sakala’s side came into the match on the back of a 1-1 draw with Bloemfontein Celtic, and currently occupy 15th place on the table.

The Brazilians got off to a bright start and took the lead as early as the seventh minute when Khama Billiat latched on to a ball by Thapelo Morena, before slotting the ball into the back of the net past Oscarine Masuluke.

Baroka had their first opportunity at goal in the 28th minute as Maboke Matlakala rose well to head his effort at goal, but Sundowns keeper Denis Onyango made a comfortable save.

A minute later, Masuluke came to his side’s rescue after the shot-stopper produced a fine save to deny Yannick Zakri from close range to keep the scoreline at 1-0.

Sundowns eventually doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time as Mzwanele Mahashe put the ball into his own net after a mix-up in the box, while Mahashe pulled a goal back a minute later.

Mosimane’s side picked up where they left off in the second-half, but suffered a blow when Tiyani Mabunda was forced off the field in the 60th minute and had to be replaced by Bangaly Soumahoro.

Baroka were struggling to keep possession of the ball, as they failed to carve out any clear-cut opportunities in the final third.

However, the visiting side were then awarded a penalty in stoppage time. Richard Matloga stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake from the spot-kick to earn his side a valuable point.

Meanwhile, 10-men Bidvest Wits suffered their fifth defeat in the PSL after falling to a 3-1 loss against Free State Stars at Goble Park as goals by Makhehlene Makhaula, Mohammed Anas and Sinethemba Jantjie cancelled out a 76th-minute goal by Cuthbert Malajila.

Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic were forced to share the spoils at the Dr Molemela Stadium after playing to a goalless draw.

Maritzburg United were also held to a goalless draw by Platinum Stars at the Harry Gwala Stadium as both sides shared a point each.