Free State Stars 2-2 Mamelodi Sundowns: Brazilians Held In Score Draw

Substitute Sipho Nkosi’s goal 11 minutes from time salvaged a draw for Free State after Sundowns had scored twice in three minutes through Katlego Mphela and Siyanda Xulu after Aleni Lebyane’s first half goal.

The Brazilians started well enough, but it was Stars who took the lead on 15 minutes when Lebyane finished from a good counter-attack after Matty Pattison had lost possession.

Sundowns, however, continued to dominate the first half, but could find no joy in front of goal.

That wasn’t a problem after the break though, as two goals in three minutes gave them the advantage. First Mphela scored his 12th league goal of the season, heading Koketso Mmotong’s cross into the far corner.

Then, on 59 minutes, Xulu rose highest to head home Mphela’s pin-point corner. Stars looked dead and buried as Sundowns continued to dominate, but they kept their nerve and were rewarded when Nkosi reacted quickest to finish off Mdluli’s hopeful free-kick into the area.

There were some chances at either end for a winner, but in the end the two sides settled for a draw.