Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) in a DSTV Premiership game played on Wednesday at Loftus Versfeld.

This was the second game of the season for Masandawana and not the result that the Champions hoped for.

Going into tonight’s game, only one change was made in the starting eleven from the team that started the game against Kaizer Chiefs over the weekend. Sphelele Mkhulise replaced Kermit Erasmus who failed a late fitness test. The other change in the squad was Ricardo Goss who came in for Kennedy Mweene.

The game started off at a steady pace and Masandawana showed their intentions from the opening minutes – they were going to press the visitors. In the first minute Andile Jali dispossessed the visitor’s defence and laid one for Themba Zwane but TTM were quick to react and cleared the ball. The visitors also showed that they are not just in Pretoria for an excursion, as Justin Shonga found space with his shot being saved by Denis Onyango.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ pressing game almost paid off as Hlompho Kekana managed to win the ball from Alfred Ndengane, his shot beat the keeper but could not beat the crossbar. The Brazilians kept pressing and in the twenty-seventh minute Thapelo Morena put in a great cross for Peter Shalulile however, he missed the ball and gave Vhadau a breather. The first half ended goalless.

In the second half Masandawana had one thing on their mind and that was to find the opening goal of the night which was evident as Keletso Makgalwa came on for Mkhulise to add firepower up front. TTM also pushed for the opening goal and Diamond Thopola put a ball into the box which Onyango had covered.

The Brazilians’ bench was busy as changes were made so they could put pressure on the Limpopo based side. Kekana came off for George Maluleka so that he could boss the midfield. No clear chances were created in the second half except for one moment which resulted in Makgalwa injured and which should have been a penalty. The game ended in a draw.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

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