Mamelodi Sundowns dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows, coached by their former manager Manqoba Mngqithi, in a Betway Premiership match played at Mpumalanga Stadium on Wednesday.
Despite relentless pressure, Sundowns were unable to break down a resolute Arrows defense, which proved particularly strong in the second half.
The draw leaves Sundowns at the top of the Betway Premiership table with 55 points from 21 matches, 16 points ahead of Orlando Pirates, who secured a 1-0 victory over Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on the same day.
Golden Arrows had confirmed the appointment of Manqoba Mngqithi earlier in the week, making his first game in charge a clash against Sundowns, the club that dismissed him in December last year, replacing him with current coach Miguel Cardoso.
Before the match, Mngqithi shared handshakes with the Sundowns technical staff and players, a poignant moment considering his decade-long tenure at the club.
The game began at a high tempo, with both sides vying for control. Lucas Ribeiro Costa, currently one of the PSL’s top performers, tested Ismail Watenga with a long-range effort, but the Ugandan goalkeeper made a comfortable save.
However, in the 31st minute, Arrows stunned Sundowns with a set-piece goal. Sbonelo Cele delivered a precise free-kick, and Keenan Phillips headed home to give Abafana Bes’Thende a shock lead.
Sundowns’ defense was caught off guard, a rare lapse for a team renowned for its excellence in all departments.
Phillips then went from hero to villain, conceding a penalty for handball after Aubrey Modiba’s cross.
Costa extended his impressive goal-scoring streak to 13 league goals this season, converting a Panenka penalty in the 44th minute, leaving Watenga helpless. The penalty was met with widespread acclaim from the stands.
Sundowns coach Cardoso made tactical changes at halftime, replacing Malibongwe Khoza, a player promoted by Mngqithi, with Lucas Suarez. Teboho Mokoena also came on for Jayden Adams, who struggled to make an impact.
Sundowns increased their attacking pressure, and Peter Shalulile thought he had scored, but the goal was disallowed for an infringement in the build-up, with Thapelo Morena deemed to have fouled Cele.
Tashreeq Matthews also came close to scoring, but his shot hit the side netting.
Substitute Arthur Sales delivered a dangerous cross for Costa, but the Brazilian’s header went over the bar.
Sundowns continued to press forward, and Sales nearly scored with a powerful shot that narrowly missed the target.
Arrows then adopted a defensive approach, packing players behind the ball to withstand Sundowns’ pressure.
Costa created another opportunity, beating his marker and delivering a pass inside the box, but the danger was cleared by the impressive Arrows defense.
Sales had another chance in the 88th minute, but his shot was straight at Watenga, who made a comfortable save. Despite their dominance, Sundowns were unable to find a winning goal. Mngqithi took a long drink of water, having successfully thwarted his former club.