Mamelodi Sundowns missed an opportunity go top of the table after they were held to a second successive draw, as it ended goalless against Richards Bay at the Umhlathuze Sports Stadium on Sunday evening.
Having dropped points after their draw with Stellenbosch midweek, Miguel Cardoso’s team were aiming to bounce back to winning ways as they look to defend their Betway Premiership title. While they still have a game in hand, victory would have seen the Brazilians return to the summit, after title rivals, Orlando Pirates, drew 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs earlier in the day.
But it was never going to be a walk in the park in Richards Bay, against a team who were undefeated in their three previous games, including holding Sundowns’ league title rivals, Orlando Pirates, to a draw, too.
The home team started confidently, but weren’t able to make the most of their early chances. Bay’s Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno kept the score goalless on the quarter-hour mark, as he made a point-blank save to stop Khulumani Ndamane’s header from a corner.
Sundowns were dealt a blow when Arthur Sales had to go off injured after a shoulder problem in the 23rd minute, with Monnapule Saleng replacing him.
Aubrey Modiba’s 25th-minute effort went just wide, while Ronwen Williams made light work of Thulani Gumede’s long-range effort a minute later.
Not long after, Williams was back in action to make another good save from a corner chance, with Keanu Cupido chipping in to clear the danger.
Sundowns continued to press, but Richards Bay defended well and looked to hit on the break. Just before the end of first-half regulation time, Gumede had another chance on the counter, but fired straight at the Bafana Bafana captain.
Goalless at the break, Sundowns began to threaten more as the second half started, creating several half-chances. Tashreeq Matthews was unable to get his shot just after the hour mark on target.
But the Natal Rich Boyz continued to keep out Sundowns, as their defence kept out a frustrated Iqraam Rayners, who was replaced by Lebo Mothiba for the final twenty minutes.
Lundi Mahala had a great chance for Richards Bay with 15 minutes to go, but Cupido made an excellent block to deny the striker.
Modiba was off target again in the 82nd minute, and three minutes later, Sanele Barns was denied by Williams after another threatening counterattack. Mothiba’s 89th-minute attempt was blocked, and Otieno made a simple save.
Substitute Peter Shalulile almost got the winner in stoppage time, but his snap shot attempt went just inches wide of Otieno’s goal.
And when the final whistle blew, it was the local supporters who cheered loudest, as the points were shared.
Sundowns remain second, on 58 points, one point behind Pirates, though they have a game in hand. Richards Bay remain 10th.
