Mamelodi Sundowns held by Swallows in controversial draw

A disputed 84th-minute goal by Gabadinho Mhango earned Moroka Swallows a 2-2 draw against DStv Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Monday.

Mamelodi Sundowns believed the Malawian was offside before equalising and the assistant referee agreed.

However, referee Jelly Chavani awarded a goal after talking to his assistant for several minutes.

“It was a very shocking decision, but we had enough chances to have been well ahead by then,” said Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena.

Swallows trailed 2-0 after 57 minutes on a chilly autumn night before Augustine Mahlonoko halved the deficit with a tap-in.

Although Swallows lie third last in the 16-team table, they became the first side this season to score twice against the defending champions.

Teboho Mokoena put Mamelodi Sundowns ahead on 39 minutes with a drive from outside the area and Chilean Marcelo Allende doubled the lead after 51 minutes through a deflected shot.

The draw leaves Pretoria-based Mamelodi Sundowns needing 11 points from their nine remaining matches to win the DStv Premiership for a seventh straight time and 14th season overall.

Mamelodi Sundowns now adjust their sights to Africa, leaving Johannesburg on Tuesday for Tunisia and a CAF Champions League semi-final first leg against Esperance on Saturday, 20 April.

Kick-off is at 21:00 (SA time).

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