Downs, Usuthu share the spoils
LOG: CHAMPIONS KEEP A GRIP ON SIX-POINT CUSHION
The DStv Premiership top-of-the-table clash between leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu ended in a goalless draw yesterday at the King’s Park Stadium, despite some enterprising football from both sides.
The result benefitted Sundowns more, as they maintained a six point lead over Usuthu at the top of the table, with two games in hand on Benni McCarthy’s side.
Masandawana also kept their hopes of an invincible season alive, while AmaZulu saw their six-game winning streak brought to an end.
As expected, the match took off at a high tempo with both sides holding nothing back, but the opening half did not have much to write home about, except coach McCarthy’s yellow card.
Referee Jelly Chavani booked the Usuthu mentor for being vocal about decisions going against his side.
After the break, Augustine Mulenga tried his luck with a grass-cutter but his near-post effort crashed back off the upright, giving Sundowns an opportunity to launch a counter-attack led by Gaston Sirino.
He had options to his left and he found Themba Zwane, whose tame shot was neatly dealt with by Veli Mothwa.
Sphelele Mthembu, who was tasked with leading Usuthu’s front line, could not get the better of Onyango and McCarthy decided to withdraw him in the 74th minute, bringing on the more experienced Lehlohonolo Majoro.
At the same time, Downs coaches pulled off their most creative players, Themba Zwane and Sirino, who were nullified for most of the second-half, while Gift Motupa and Aubrey Modiba were sent on.
Masandawana launched another counter-attack, this time led by Motupa who found Modiba but his shot was saved by Mothwa, although he failed to hold on to it.
Peter Shalulile got the loose ball, facing an empty net, but he didn’t have enough time to direct his shot and his attempt went narrowly wide off the mark.
Much to the credit of AmaZulu’s defence. who were neat and tidy, not allowing Downs much joy in their 18-yard box, the Brazilians
got their first corner kick of the game as late as the 83rd minute.
Downs skipper, Mosa Lebusa, got McCarthy worked up in the dying moments of the game when he stopped Majoro from taking a quick throw-in, deliberately obstructing him right in front of Usuthu’s bench.
However, this time McCarthy kept his cool as he knew that any rash reaction would land him in hot water, with a possible second yellow card.