Sundowners for Arrows, not Downs
MAMELODI Sundowns increased the pressure on themselves by playing out a 0-0 stalemate against high-flyers Golden Arrows at Loftus Versfeld this evening.
Sundowns entered the game on the back of losing three games on the trot in all competitions, something unusual by their standards and which must be a cause for concern to their die-hard fans.
Downs’ lack of finesse in front of goal was again on display in the first half, particularly as they were without the presence of star men Peter Shalulile and Gaston Sirino.
Sundowns did not have a single shot on target in the first half whilst Arrows had just one, a tame effort from Knox Mutizwa in the 42nd minute after Seth Parusnath produced a turnover which was easily collected by Sundowns keeper Dennis Onyango. Neither side could really exert any domination in the first half as there was little to separate them. Both sides failed to penetrate the opposition defences. Two of the most stubborn defences in the league this season appeared to be playing their roles as expected. Arrows appeared to lose their defensive footing in the 56th minute as Kermit Erasmus exploited their defence, setting up and opportunity for teammate Themba Zwane to test Arrows keeper Sifiso Mlungwana. Searching for his 10th league goal of the season, Zwane’s shot failed to trouble Mlungwana, who has established himself as one of the top keepers in the league.
Nkosinathi Sibisi had an opportunity to put Arrows ahead in the 62nd minute as a corner aimed towards the far-post found him, but he failed to deliver sufficient power to his shot, allowing Onyango to make yet another easy save.
Arrows were creating opportunities but it appeared as though they were experiencing stage freight in front of goal as they failed to get enough power on their shots to trouble the experienced Onyango. Sundowns’ performance in the second half was slightly better, though their depleted energy supplies were evident as they could not penetrate the organized Arrows defence despite their best efforts.
A question which will be on the minds of many fans will be whether there is going to be a twist in the title race? The pressure will be on Sundowns, especially considering AmaZulu’s recent excellent form under Benni McCarthy.
Masandawana’s remaining fixtures are also not the easiest with potentially tough matches against the likes of Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, and a final league fixture against Cape Town City still awaiting them.