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Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns hit back in the second half to settle for a share of the points in a 1-1 draw against 10-man Platinum Stars in their Absa Premiership clash in Phokeng on Saturday.
"The ball just didn't fall for us," said Stars coach Cavin Johnson.
"They had six defenders, against four attackers, and we just couldn't get through, but I'm happy for the boys."
VIDEO: Platinum Stars v Sundowns, highlights
Sundowns were forceful early on, with Elias Pelembe hitting the post in the third minute as the Brazilians pushed forward.
Pelembe was again involved in the 18th minute when he delivered a cross that found Alje Schut who headed the ball home to put the visitors in front.
Stars seemed to wake up after falling behind, and Vuyo Mere fired wide to the left before Mogakolodi Ngele's effort was saved by Sundowns 'keeper Wayne Sandilands.
Soon after, the hosts were reduced to 10 men after Henrico Botes was sent off for violent conduct.
Ngele had another chance on the half-hour mark, but he blasted his left-footed effort to the right, and Thuso Phala struck his attempt too high as it sailed over, just five minutes before the break.
Phala was again in the thick of the action in the 57th minute when he hit the bar, and Ngele pounced on the rebound to find the equaliser.
Stars continued to fight and Robert Ng'ambi sent his shot wide from the edge of the area with half an hour remaining.
Tsholofelo Modise had perhaps the best chance for Sundowns in the second stanza but his effort was saved by Stars goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Stars, lying third in the standings, lost some ground in the race for the league title, while Sundowns remained entrenched in the bottom half of the table.
"We gave it away," said Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane.
"We should have won this game in the second half."
