Moroka Swallows produced one of the comebacks of the season on Monday night, clawing back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Mamelodi Sundowns at Dobsonville Stadium.

Sundowns appeared to be cruising towards victory after taking a comfortable lead in the first half. Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the 37th minute, but was forced off shortly after due to a hamstring injury. Marcello Allende then doubled their lead six minutes into the second half with a deflected shot.

However, the tide turned in the 57th minute when Augustine Mahlonoko tapped in from close range after a free kick by Lantshane Phalane caused confusion in the Sundowns defense. Devine Lunga, who had a poor game for Sundowns, was at fault for the goal, bringing down Gabadinho Mhango from far wide, leading to the free kick.

Sundowns had several chances to restore their lead, but Thapelo Morena and Peter Shalulile were wasteful in front of goal.

The equalizer arrived in controversial fashion in the 84th minute. Lunga headed the ball towards Mhango, who was clearly offside and while the flag was raised, it allowed Mhango to flick the ball past the onrushing Ronwen Williams to snatch a dramatic point for Swallows.

While Sundowns players protested for the offside, referee Jelly Chavani awarded the goal after he consulted his first assistant, who had raised his flag, overruling him for a goal to stand.

The draw keeps Sundowns, who is sitting pretty at the top of the table, in missing out on the big chance to extend their lead to 16 points and would have needed just eight points to sew the title if they got over the line here. They will now need 11 from their remaining matches to secure their seventh successive league title.

Picture courtesy of Moroka Swallows