Kenyan international Brain Mandela clocked 90 minutes as Mamelodi Sundowns settled for a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants in the South African Premier Soccer League.The former Maritzburg United defender was starting his first clash since October having missed 12 games for the reigning South African champions. And that’s a wrap for 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣1️⃣! The Brazilians earn a point and close the year at the summit of the #DStvPrem table! 🔝Mamelodi Sundowns (35′ Kapinga) 1️⃣➖1️⃣ Marumo Gallants (32′ Ndlondlo) #Sundowns #DownsLive #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/T0wYsbGTyc— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) December 23, 2021 Mamelodi are showing signs of slowing down after coming from a loss against Benni McCarthy’s Amazulu last time out and have now plucked a point from Gallants.Mandela was meant to come up against his compatriot Ovella Ochieng but the Kenyan winger was not registered after signing in the offseason transfer window. Gallants were handed a penalty at the stroke of the half-hour mark when Miguel Timm’s cross was handled by Ricardo Nascimento with the referee pointing to the spot. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo stepped up to take the penalty and he held his nerve to convert the spot-kick despite an outstretched arm from Sundowns keeper Ricardo Goss.The Brazilians shared the spoils with Marumo Gallants on Thursday evening to bring the year’s action to a close! 🙌📲 https://t.co/vbx9DDzVVm#Sundowns #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/8yP5jH7Jzk— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) December 23, 2021 Sundowns drew level three minutes later through Lesedi Kapinga who displayed a cool head when he took a touch before unleashing a shot that rippled the back of the net. Despite a Sundowns storm in the second half, Galants stood tall to wither it as they claimed a point to push them further away from relegation.
