Mamelodi Sundowns saw their 15-game winning streak in the DStv Premiership come to an end following a 1-1 draw at Stellenbosch FC on Sunday afternoon.
Sundowns made a few changes after their Nedbank Cup win this week, with goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse, Rivaldo Coetzee, Grant Kekana, Nkosi Ntando, Terrence Mashego and Haashim Domingo given starts.
A low overhead kick from Junior Mendieta presented a settled start for the host, but Pieterse was able to make a save in a lively start to the match.
Sundowns didn't have it all their way and struggled to get out of tight spaces, as Mendieta threatened again with a half-volley in the area as the visitors failed to clear a free-kick.
The Brazilians' first chance came around the half-hour mark through Domingo's snap shot in the area, but goalkeeper Sage Stephens saved comfortably.
Masandawana battled continuously to sustain the fierce challenges by the Maroons as the half wind down, but enjoyed a lot of the ball in forward areas.
Stellenbosch made the strong start to the second half and a looping shot by Iqraam Rayners from his own half very nearly broke the deadlock, but Pieterse reacted timeously.
The Maroons pushed forward again nine minutes from the break and watched a half-volley on the edge of the area by Jayden Adams bring a save out of a nice sprawling save out of Pieterse.
Masandawana coach Rulani Mokwena introduced a triple substitution at the midway mark of the second half and introduced Sipho Mbule, Aubrey Modiba and the high-flying Cassius Mailula.
These alterations paid dividends as Mailula got in space from a well-taken set-piece by Shalulile and finished beyond the reach of Stephens and grabbed his eight league goal of the season.
Stellies clawed back and salvaged a point with three minutes to go when Rayners fired in from the penalty spot after a foul on Qobolwakhe Sibande.
With both sides searching for the winner in the closing seconds, neither managed got a look in and settled for a point.
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Makhanya, Basadien, Van Rooyen, Mthethwa, Mendieta, Sibiya, Jabaar, Adams, Titus, Rayners
Subs: Langeveldt, Mgaga, Sibande, Mngomezulu, Mcaba, De Jong, Boji, Van Wyk
Mamelodi Sundowns: Pieterse, Mudau, Mashego, Kekana, Lebusa, Coetzee, Maema, Ntando, Morena, Shalulile, Domingo
Subs: Mweene, Boutuil, Ngobeni, Modiba, Mokoena, Mbule, Siyanda, Ralani, Mailula.
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