Disputed Mhango goal gives Swallows draw with Sundowns

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A disputed 84th-minute goal by Frank Mhango earned lowly Moroka Swallows a 2-2 draw against South African Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in Soweto on Monday.Sundowns believed the Malawian was offside before equalising and the assistant referee agreed. However, the referee 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 Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena.

Swallows trailed 2-0 after 56 minutes on a chilly autumn night south west of Johannesburg before Augustine Mahlonoko halved the deficit with a tap-in.

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

Teboho Mokoena put Sundowns ahead on 37 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 Sundowns needing 11 points from nine matches to win the Premiership for a seventh straight time and 14th season overall.

Sundowns now adjust their sight to Africa, leaving Johannesburg on Tuesday for Tunisia and a CAF Champions League semi-final first leg against Esperance this weekend.

 

© Agence France-Presse

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Dylan Johnson