Mamelodi Sundowns had to settle for a point against Free State Stars after playing out to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Brazilians came out with intent in the opening exchanges of the encounter and broke the deadlock as early as the fifth minute when Percy Tau latched on to a ball by Gaston Sirino before finding the net.

Khama Billiat nearly doubled his side’s lead after 21 minutes, but the forward was unable to beat Badra Sangare with his tame effort.

The home side were dealt a blow five minutes later as Bangaly Soumahoro was forced off the field through injury and was subsequently replaced by Motjeka Madisha.

Jeremy Brockie had a golden opportunity to double his side’s lead after he was played through on goal by Billiat, but the New Zealand striker failed to beat Sangare in a one-on-one situation.

Ea Lla Koto nearly found the equaliser with five minutes left to play in the first half after

Harris Tchilimbou nearly levelled matters for Ea Lla Koto five minutes before the half time interval, but Denis Onyango made a great save to deny the forwards header.

Stars came out with more intent in the second half and almost equalised, but Siphelele Mthembu directed his strike towards the side-netting.

Mthembu eventually levelled matters for Stars in the 53rd minute after Thapelo Morena failed to clear his lines.

Sundowns nearly restored their lead in the 65th minute after unleashing a venomous volley from distance, but Sangare did well to prevent the midfielder’s goal-bound effort.

Aubrey Ngoma should’ve added a second goal for Sundowns after he had a free header inside the area, but the midfielder steered his effort narrowly wide of the target.

Both sides pressed forward in search of a winning goal in the closing stages, but they were forced to settle for a point each at Loftus Versfeld.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix