Mamelodi Sundowns held by Siwelele FC as title race intensifies before AFCON break

Mamelodi Sundowns lost further ground in the defence of their Betway Premiership title after being held to a 1–1 draw against Siwelele FC at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday.

The result leaves the Brazilians two points behind Orlando Pirates, who still have a game in hand. For Siwelele, the draw represents a valuable point that helps them climb further up the table, ending the calendar year in eleventh place after a tough start to the season.

Sundowns arrived in Bloemfontein fully aware of the stakes. Anything short of victory would drag them deeper into a position they are unaccustomed to, especially with Pirates maintaining relentless pressure at the top.

Their visit to the City of Roses was never going to be easy, as Siwelele have shown time and again that, despite their inconsistencies, they can transform into a spirited and unpredictable side capable of unsettling any opponent. Pirates themselves only just edged past them earlier this season with a late 1–0 win.

A lively, song-filled atmosphere welcomed the champions, who were coming off a taxing CAF Champions League trip to MC Alger. Sundowns dominated possession as expected, but Lehlohonolo Seema’s men remained disciplined, compact and alert, waiting to capitalise on mistakes.

That opening came in the 27th minute. A poor back pass from Keagan Johannes bounced awkwardly toward Ronwen Williams, whose attempted recovery was smothered by Siwelele’s high press. Former Pirates midfielder Vincent Pule reacted quickest to the mistake, slotting home after being released by Tebogo Potsane.

Miguel Cardoso turned to his bench in the second half in search of more control and penetration, but Sundowns struggled to find their usual fluency to break the last line. Siwelele defended courageously, absorbing pressure and protecting their lead with maturity.

However, the resistance eventually broke. Arthur Sales made an immediate impact, helping shift momentum back toward the visitors, and his involvement paved the way for fellow substitute Lebo Mothiba to stab home a scrappy finish from close range, assisted by Iqraam Rayners, giving the visitors renewed hope in the 73rd minute.

The momentum swung again with ten minutes left when key midfielder Teboho Mokoena received a second yellow card and was sent off. Despite going down to ten men, Sundowns continued to push forward, leaving themselves vulnerable to counters — a pattern that persisted throughout the match.

Both teams had chances to steal the win late on, with countless opportunities, but neither could take them, and the spoils were ultimately shared in Bloemfontein.