Sundowners for Arrows, but not Sundowns

MAMELODI Sundowns increased the pressure on themselves in a 0-0 Premiership stalemate with high-flyers Golden Arrows at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria yesterday.

The defending league champions entered the game after losing three games on the trot in all competitions, something unusual by their standards and which must be a cause for concern to them.

Downs’ lack of finesse in front of goal was again on display in the first half, particularly as they were without star men Peter Shalulile and Gaston Sirino.

Sundowns did not have a single shot on target in the first half while 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 goalkeeper 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 an 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 get sufficient power on his shot, allowing Onyango to make yet another easy save.

Arrows were creating opportunities but it appeared as though they were experiencing stage fright 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 organised Arrows defence despite their best efforts.

A question which will be on the minds of many fans now will be whether there is going to be a twist in the title race?