Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 0-0 draw by newly-crowned Telkom Knockout Cup champions Baroka in their Absa Premiership encounter on Tuesday night, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Baroka went into the clash on the back of making history by clinching their maiden cup title in the top-flight following their TKO victory on penalties against Orlando Pirates.

Pitso Mosimane’s side will look to extend their excellent run of form in the league having last tasted defeat in January in a 3-1 loss to Pirates.

The home side dominated possession proceedings, but struggled to break down a confident and resilient Bakgaga outfit who were content on playing on the break.

As a result, a fierce midfield battle ensued with Andile Jali and Hlompho Kekana dictating terms for the Chloorkop based outfit, while Mduduzi Mdantsane pulled strings for the visitors.

There was little goalmouth action to speak of in the first-half, however Baroka goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze was in excellent form.

Jeremy Brockie came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock for Sundowns close to the end of the first-half, however Chipezeze once again produced a fine save to deny the striker’s goalbound volley.

The tempo of the game picked up in the second-half with both sides signalling their intent to attack and open the scoring.

Mosimane made the first change of the game as he opted to bring on Phakamani Mahlambi for the out-of-sorts Ngoma.

Mahlambi caused a few scares to the Baroka defence with his pacce, but his delivery into the area left much to be desired.

Toni Silva was brought on for Gaston Sirino in the final ten minutes of the game as Sundowns went for an all-out attack in a bid for the opener.

In the end, neither side were able to find the back of the net as both sides were forced to settle for a point each.