Sekhukhune and Sundowns play to a 1-all in a minute-thriller DDC match
Mabena produced a Man of the Match performance, running riot with United’s defenders, especially in the second half, before he was substituted towards the end of the game.
VANDERBIJLPARK.- Local soccer fans were treated to an entertaining spectacle on Sunday morning as the Dstv Diski Challenge clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United ended in a thrilling 1–1 draw at Isak Steyl Stadium.
Supporters turned out in large numbers for the end-to-end fixture, which delivered action from the first whistle.
Sundowns created numerous scoring opportunities but failed to convert them into a goal. They could have gone to halftime leading at least 2-0, but their strikers were wasteful in front of the posts, much to the frustration of their bench.
The second half followed a similar story as Sundowns kept pressing, but failed to convert their opportunities.
Sekhukhune United, however, also created chances that shocked everyone who thought it was going to be a walk in the park for Sundowns. United eventually stunned the favourites by taking the lead. The goal came after a defensive lapse, with a Sundowns defender failing to clear the ball from inside the penalty area.
The young Brazilians didn’t put their heads down as they kept pressing and eventually found an equaliser through a penalty.
The referee’s decision caused some confusion; Sundowns actually put the ball in the net during open play, but the referee had already blown his whistle to award them a spot-kick for a foul. They converted the penalty to make it 1-1. It was a beautiful goal with some individual brilliance!
Sundowns Sporting Director Flemming Berg was also in attendance, monitoring the progress of several first-team players, like Siyabonga Mabena.
Mabena produced a Man of the Match performance, running riot with United’s defenders, especially in the second half, before he was substituted towards the end of the game.
WORDS FROM COACH: “I thought we played very well, and we know they will always start playing from the back, to the midfield, and try to penetrate using their wingers. We had a game plan, and it worked for us. I must compliment our boys; they were focused and disciplined. We could have won this game if we had taken our chances, especially with the goalkeeper to beat.”
