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Sundowns blow chance to go top

Cape Town - Baroka FC salvaged a 2-2 draw against title-chasing Mamelodi Sundowns with an added-time equaliser at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night.

Sundowns made a positive start and were ahead after only five minutes when Thapelo Morena's cross eluded several defenders which allowed Khama Billiat a simple tap-in from a couple of yards out.

The Brazilians remained in command, but for all their excellent build-up play, they failed to create clear-cut openings.

And when there was an opportunity for Billiat midway through the stanza, he ballooned his shot, while Yannick Zakri's half-volley on 30 minutes was well saved by Oscarine Masuluke.

Masuluke also did well to bravely save at the feet of Percy Tau, but was at fault for Sundowns' second goal when he completely missed the ball while attempting to kick Mzwanele Mahashe's back-pass to safety.

But the Limpopo side gave themselves a chance at getting back in the game when they struck with the final play of the first half, thanks to a thumping header by Mahashe.

Baroka took the momentum into the second half and Sundowns keeper Denis Onyango did very well to keep out Victor Letsoalo's shot in a crowded box five minutes after the break.

Letsoalo had another great chance in the 66th minute, but failed to make contact with his attempted volley from a good position in the box.

Billiat could, however, have restored Masandawana's two-goal cushion in the 73rd minute, but fired wide of the far post after some great skill in the box. 

With the game getting increasingly tense, Sundowns seemed to be set to hold onto their lead as the match went into injury time.

But a moment of misfortune saw the ball striking Morena's arm as he jumped to block a cross, leading to a penalty being awarded which resulted in Richard Matloga firing the ball beyond Onyango's outstretched hands.

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