Mamelodi Sundowns failed to jump above Bidvest Wits into top spot following a 1-1 draw against Polokwane City in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday evening.

Both sides made three substitutes as Sundowns drafted in Denis Onyango, Anele Ngcongca and Emiliano Tade, while Polokwane handed starting berths to Walter Musona, Mpho Mvelase and Charlton Mashumba.

The hosts stamped their dominance inside 10 minutes when Themba Zwane finished off a well-executed move from Gaston Sirino at the near post.

Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana missed a big chance to get a second goal when he miscued a gaping opportunity, with the Polokwane defence all at sea moments thereafter.

City began growing into the game and moments before half-time, the visitors were level when Salulani Phiri’s header was helped into the net by Onyango.

In the second period, Sundowns threw numbers forward in search of a second goal, but George Chigova had other ideas as the Polokwane ‘keeper did well to deny Zwane a second goal with an impressive save just before the hour mark.

Sundowns’ struggles continued as defender Wayne Arendse was unable to continue after a collision with Tiyani Mabunda and was replaced Mosa Lebusa on 66 minutes.

The latter stages of the match was turning into a battle between Chigova and Zwane, but the goalkeeper came out tops once again on 75 minutes to thwart the Sundowns attacker.

It was one-way traffic in the closing stages as Sundowns pushed for a winner, but Polokwane remained resolute to earn themselves a share of the spoils.