Golden Arrows claim valuable point as Manqoba Mngqithi comes back to haunt Sundowns

The match marked Manqoba Mngqithi's first in charge of Abafana Bes'thende after his departure from Sundowns in December.

Arrows dominated the opening ten minutes, creating four early chances. Gladwin Shitolo and Olwethu Ncube missed opportunities within the first two minutes, while Ryan Moon's effort was denied by Sundowns goalkeeper Dennis Onyango.

Nqobeko Dlamini also attempted a long-range pass, but it failed to reach its target.

Sundowns responded after the 10th minute, with Peter Shalulile missing two chances before Lucas Ribeiro's long-range effort in the 18th minute was saved by Isima Watenga.

The breakthrough came after the half-hour mark when Sbonelo Cele delivered a set-piece, allowing Keenan Phillips to head in the opener for Golden Arrows.

However, Phillips went from hero to villain just before half-time, conceding a penalty for handling the ball after an Aubrey Modiba pass. Ribeiro calmly converted, securing his 13th goal of the season.

Both sides made changes at the break, with Sundowns introducing Lucas Suarez and Teboho Mokoena, while Arrows brought on Knox Mutizwa and Thokozani Lukhele.

The second half saw chances at both ends - Thapelo Morena's shot was denied by Watenga in the 47th minute, and Nduduzo Sibiya's 78th-minute free-kick was punched away by Onyango.

Ribeiro missed a late chance to seal the win in the 85th minute, while Arthur Sales was also denied near the end.

Despite the draw, Sundowns remain top of the table with 55 points from 21 matches, while Golden Arrows sit in 11th place with 21 points from 17 games. 

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