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Johannebsurg - Mamelodi Sundowns are down but not out of the championship race and determined to fight to the bitter end for the Absa Premiership title.
That was the warning by Downs' star defender Matthew Booth, after 10-man Santos appeared to have crippled the Brazilians title hopes when they held them to a hard fought 0-0 draw at Atteridgevilles Super Stadium on Sunday.
The match was the game in hand Downs had over log leaders and defending champions SuperSport United.
Santos were forced to play a man short for the last 27 minutes because of inexperienced referee Jacob Frolick who sent off substitute Bonginkosi Macala for a foul on Katlego Mphela in the 63rd minute. Frolicks handling of the match left much to be desired.
The result means with both United and Downs having three fixtures remaining, the defending champions have 54 points - two more than Downs heading into the final straight.
Said Booth: "It was disappointing we failed to beat Santos. They proved more of a handful with 10 men than 11. But we had a few narrow escapes in the first half.
"Defensively we were lax and it was only when he tightened up after the break that we got on top.
"However, we are not out if it as there are still three matches to go and anything can happen. United have a tough run-in and could easily slip up. We are up for the fight."
Booth pointed out Downs have not conceded a goal in their last five matches but added: "We failed to score today(Sunday) because we took the wrong options."
But Santos coach Boebie Solomons reckons SuperSport have the edge. "We have played both teams this week (Santos lost 2-1 at home to United last Tuesday) and both have quality players.
"But the fact United have been down this road twice and won the title the past two season means they have the advantage.
"Their players have the experience of winning the league and know what to do and how to do it."
He said Downs played into his hands in the second half when they were getting on top of his 10-men: "They decided to hit us through the middle and that suited us and we were able to contain them.
"It was a good result for us."
Frolick disallowed a goal core by Eleazar Rodgers in the first half as Santos took on the complacent home side.
Santos also had their first choice keeper Tshepo Motsoeneng carried off in the 17th minute with a damaged hamstring. He collided with Mphela when he bravely threw his body on the line and dived to save the Downs strikers point blank shot in the 10th minute.
" Solomons was pleased with the away point, but not with referee Frolick. "I have said it before and will say it again, I am more sacred of the match officials than the opposition.
"We have been getting raw deals from referees this whole season. It is becoming ridiculous and surely somebody in the PSL needs to take a look at these match officials as It cannot continue like this."
In the final league run in Downs play Moroka Swallows at the Super Stadium on Wednesday and the same night United face Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
On Saturday the champions host BidVest Wits at the Super Stadium while Downs play bottom club Jomo Cosmos at the Rand Stadium.
On the final day of the league season - March 6 - Downs play Golden Arrows at the Super Stadium while United have a tricky trip to Durban to meet AmaZulu.
