Mbule’s Heroic Header Salvages Point For Sundowns Against Arrows

Mbule’s Heroic Header Salvages Point For Sundowns Against Arrows

Late Mbule Header Earns Sundowns a Draw Against Golden Arrows

Mamelodi Sundowns avoided their first league defeat since September by salvaging a draw against Golden Arrows in a DStv Premiership match played at Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Sipho Mbule’s 74th-minute header securing a point for the visitors. Ryan Moon had put Golden Arrows ahead in the first half.

Sundowns Still on Course to Break Their Own Record

Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena was overjoyed after Mbule’s header found the back of the net. The draw sees Sundowns move to 62 points after 26 matches, still on course to break their own record of points accumulated in the 2015/16 season, where they gained 71 points under coach Pitso Mosimane. To surpass this record, Sundowns will need to win the next four matches.

Golden Arrows Denied a Victory

The draw denied Golden Arrows a win over Sundowns, who last lost a league match against SuperSport United in September. Sundowns had drawn their last two matches before Wednesday’s game, failing to score in both, which is uncharacteristic for the club that has set up high standards. Despite the draw, Sundowns have already secured the league title with seven games to spare, the earliest this has been done in the PSL era.

Golden Arrows Start Strong

Golden Arrows started the game strong, with Ryan Moon setting up Knox Mutizwa. However, Abdelmounaim Boutouil closed down Mutizwa, making his first start in the league. Golden Arrows made it count in the 23rd minute when Moon swept home a first-time shot from Divine Lunga’s cross to beat Ronwen Williams. Bongani Zungu suffered a blow before the goal was scored, leaving him bloodied in the face when he challenged the corner. He was replaced by Mbule, who would later become the hero for Sundowns.

Sundowns Struggled to Find Their Inter-Passing

The much-changed Sundowns side struggled to find their inter-passing that has made it difficult for everyone since Mokwena was appointed in October last year. Ahmed Nasir had a chance to double Golden Arrows’ lead but was denied by a big save from Sifiso Mlungwana in the 54th minute. Sundowns increased the speed of attack with Cassius Mailula coming close, and again Mlungwana tipped another shot away for a corner. Mbule saved Mokwena’s blushes with a towering header for the equalizer.

Sundowns Almost Stole It at the End

Sundowns almost stole it at the end, with Siyabonga Mabena smashing the crossbar and Mlungwana denying Siphelele Mkhulise from close range. Meanwhile, Marumo Gallants came from a goal down to beat Chippa United 3-1 thanks to a hat-trick by Ranga Chivaviro. The win saw them overtake the Chilli Boys on the log, who have now dropped into the relegation playoff spot.