Moroka Swallows came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with the log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in the DStv Premiership clash in Soweto on Monday night.
As usual, Sundowns made all the pay early on At Dobsonville Stadium, asking plenty of questions about the Birds’ defence. But the hosts held firm thwarting many attacks with stout defence.
Such was their defence that they actually managed to catch Sundowns on the counter, with Roland Sanou missing a golden opportunity on the 12-minute mark.
But the table toppers were not to be denied. Teboho Mokoena would finally break the deadlock eight minutes from the break with a powerful long-range effort that beat Swallows stopper Daniel Akpeyi who was at full stretch. Unfortunately for the Sundowns star, he pulled his hamstring with the shot and was substituted.
The Brazilians then double their advantage early in the second stanza thanks to Marcelo Allende, whose effort took a deflection and found the back of the net.
However, Swallows got a goal back just minutes later. Lindokuhle Mtshali headed towards goal only to find a leaping Ronwen Williams, who parried the shot into the path of Augustine Mahlonoko who made no mistake with the rebound.
Masandawana had a chance to put the game away, but Akpeyi saved a weak effort by Thapelo Morena.
In the closing stages, a resurgent Swallows found their attacking rhythm and earned just reward six minutes from time. A poor header from a Sundowns defender left Gabadinho Mhango one-on-one with Williams and the striker drove the ball home for an unlikely draw.