Edward Manqele scored with five minutes left to save a 3-3 draw for Mamelodi Sundowns in their MTN8 first leg semi-final against Moroka Swallows in Atteridgeville on Saturday night.

The match got off to a cracking start as Swallows struck twice within the first eight minutes.

Felix Obada hit the back of the net as early as the sixth minute when he slotted in a close-range effort that stayed low.

Two minutes later Lerato Chabangu delivered a corner that found Ashraf Hendricks on the far side of the box, and Hendricks slammed a header into the ground that bounced in, with Punch Masenamela abandoning Sundowns’ near post.

Downs hit back nine minutes later after they were awarded a penalty for a handball infringement in the area.

Teko Modise’s first shot from the spot was saved by Greg Etafia, but the referee ordered a retake after the Birds’ goalkeeper was found to have moved off his line too early.

Modise, who was otherwise wayward during the opening period, made no mistake with his second attempt, although Swallows managed to maintain their 2-1 advantage for the rest of the first half.

Sundowns gained control in the second stanza, with Manqele wasting a gilt-edged chance six minutes after the break, fluffing a header in front of an open goal.

With half an hour left, Method Mwanjali also came close, but an outstretched Etafia got a hand to the ball and tipped it against the post.

Four minutes later, Hlompho Kekana found the equaliser, tapping in a well-placed shot as Downs fought their way back into the game.

Swallows edged ahead again when Bennett Chenene scored a stunning goal, curling the ball past the Brazilians’ keeper Wayne Sandilands to regain the lead for the visitors.

Manqele, however, netted the equaliser in the dying stages, collecting the ball in the area, controlling well and turning to fire it in with his left foot from a difficult angle.

The two sides meet again in the return leg next weekend.-sapa