ABSA Premiership

 

Result: Sundowns 1-1 P Stars

 

Date: 28 August 2013

 

Venue: Loftus Versveld

 

The new-look Mamelodi Sundowns struggled to get their game going as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Platinum Stars at Loftus Versveld on Wednesday.

 

The Brazilians, fielding a much-changed side compared to last season, controlled possession for long periods but Dikwena always looked alert on attack and were rewarded with a point.

 

Khama Billiat, who recently joined Sundowns from Ajax Cape Town, started for his new side for the first time and the Brazilians probed for an early goal.

 

Four minutes in though, Stars showed their potential as Lindokuhle Mbatha burst free of his defender and slid a perfect square ball for Siphelele Mthembu who side-footed his shot against the angle.

 

Sundowns had a chance at the other end through Dove Wome who lashed a shot just wide from the edge of the area, while Cuthbert Malajila should have done better with some headed chances. One of those chances saw him meet the ball before the on-rushing goalkeeper but he had no control as the ball ballooned well over.

 

The first-half continued along the same trend – with Sundowns settling and looking for a way through the organised Stars defence while Dikwena burst forward on the counter at every chance.

 

The deadlock remained at half-time but Sundowns thought they had finally found a way through when Bongani Zungu hit the back of the net – only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

 

The breakthrough would arrive in the 58th minute though, with Wome finding a way past Siyabonga Mpotshane at his near post.

 

Sundowns were looking for a second to put the game to bed and saw Tebogo Langerman go close on two occasions – misses that the Brazilians would soon rue.

 

Henrico Botes went close before Robert Ng’ambi hit the target with nine minutes to go after Sundowns failed to deal with a corner, which Mthembu had guided against the crossbar.

 

Kennedy Mweene then came to the rescue for Sundowns late in the game when he kept out Botes’ header, though the Namibia international was unable to get the required power on his effort.

 

Sundowns: Kennedy Mweene, Tebogo Langerman, Alje Schut, Bryce Moon, Rashid Sumaila, Dove Wome, Kekana, Teko Modise, Bongani Zungu, Khama Billiat, Cuthbert Malajila.

 

P Stars: Siyabonga Mpontshane, Vuyo Mere, Tshepo Gumede, Benson Mhlongo, Luvolwethu Mpeta, Sibusiso Msomi, Robert Ng’ambi, Mogakolodi Ngele, Tintswalo Tshabalala, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Siphelele Mthembu.