Pretoria – Defending league champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, were held to a disappointing goalless draw by visiting Mpumalanga Black Aces at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Wednesday evening.
Heading into the clash on the back of a fruitful month of October where points were freely available, Sundowns looked less likely to threaten up front and were made to share the spoils in a lacklustre performance at their alternate venue, their first of the season away from Loftus Versfeld.
Top scorer so far this season, Cuthbert Malajila found himself largely isolated at the spearhead of the attack but nonetheless carved out numerous chances for Surprise Moriri, who looked lively.
The veteran attacking midfielder looked the best bet to grab the opener in a half the Brazilians dominated.
But a slip in front of goal in the dying seconds of the first 45 saw the game's best chance skied into the Atteridgeville night sky.
Denis Onyango, in his first appearance of the season, rarely looked troubled at the back and gave a good account of himself between the posts.
A 70th minute diving save from the Ugandan shot-stopper sparked the hosts into life. Billiat should have sealed his first of the season when he was sent through on goal, only to be blown for offside.
Next, Tebogo Langerman flashed wide when a neat ball over the top fell kindly, but the finish was lacking.
Langerman's dink was typical of Sundowns' night, so near but so far.
Passes failed to go to feet at vital times and a nervy last nine minutes awaited a Sundowns team who had not lost since a 3-0
humbling by Orlando Pirates on August 27.
But an uninspiring performance would cap a disappointing night for the Brazilians, who missed the chance to move above Ajax Cape Town, who were beaten down the road in Pretoria.
Ultimately disappointing the two had to make do with a point, when Sundowns would have been aiming for three, which would have lifted their moods after two consecutive league draws in their previous outings.
A third draw in a row extended Sundowns' unbeaten run to eight, while Aces extended a similar run to seven league outings without defeat. – Sapa