PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 20: Hlompho Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates goal with teammates during the Absa Premiership match between Maritzburg United and Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium on August 20, 2020 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Samuel Shivambu/Gallo Images/BackpagePix)
Maritzburg United 2-2 Mamelodi Sundowns: PSL highlights and results
A ten-man Mamelodi Sundowns failed to make a significant dent in the gap at the top of the PSL standings, as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Maritzburg United.
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 20: Hlompho Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates goal with teammates during the Absa Premiership match between Maritzburg United and Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium on August 20, 2020 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Samuel Shivambu/Gallo Images/BackpagePix)
Mamelodi Sundowns stuttered again in their chase for a third successive PSL title, as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Maritzburg United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday.
The defending league champions finished the game with ten men after Ricardo Nascimento was given his marching orders in the second half.
Maritzburg United 2-2 Mamelodi Sundowns: PSL match report
The Tshwane giants, back in their backyard as the away team this time, began as the more dominant of the two sides, with captain Hlompho Kekana, Promise Mkhuma and Nascimento all getting shots at goal.
It was the skipper who edged them ahead in the 24th minute after being set up by Gaston Sirino.
Watch Hlompho Kekana open the scoring in video below
The lead lasted just six minutes, with Rushine de Reuck pouncing on some lazy defending to shoot at an empty net for the equaliser.
Watch Rushine de Reuck draws level for Maritzburg United
The second half began in horror for the hosts, who conceded a penalty after Nazeer Allie was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box in the 49th minute.
Nascimento calmly slotted the resulting penalty, with his shot too powerful for the diving Richard Ofori.
Watch Sundowns take the lead through Nascimento in video below
Like they did in the first half, United equalised within ten minutes of going behind, as Thabiso Kutumela shot outside the box for a stunning goal to make it 2-2.
Watch stunning Thabiso Kutumela goal in video below
Nascimento, who had earned himself a yellow earlier, was penalised for a rash challenge, and shown his second card of the night, ending his night prematurely.
Watch Nascimento earns a red card in video below
That was the last action of the night, as Sundowns failed to make a considerable dent between themselves and Kaizer Chiefs at the top of the table.
Kutumela, whose blinder drew United level was named Man of the Match.
United will welcome the points, which consolidates their spot in the top eight.
Maritzburg United squad
Starting XI: Ofori, Sanoke, Morgan, Kutumela, De Reuck, Ntshangase, Buchanan, Claasen, Allie, Tlolane, Moseamedi. Subs: Mpandle, Mngonyama, Shandu, Timm, Hlongwane, Bongo, Augusto
Mamelodi Sundowns squad
Starting XI: Onyango, Ngcongca, Lakay, Nascimento, Madisha, Jali, Mkhulise, Kekana, Sirino, Mkhuma, Meza. Subs: Mweene, Makgalwa, Zwane, Mabunda, Vilakazi, Coetzee, Maboe, Langerman, Lebusa
Maritzburg United vs Mamelodi Sundowns: Relive the PSL action here
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