Jomo Cosmos held Mamelodi Sundowns to a 0-0 draw at a vibrant match at Loftus in a Castle Premiership clash on Wednesday evening.
The 2006/07 league champions rested Calvin Marlin, Godfrey Sapula and Josta Dladla for a game which was meaningless to the Tshwane team.
Cosmos had to win to secure their passage to the Supa8, but now Jomo Sono’s men have to rely on Silver Stars to beat Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday for them to enter the first Cup tournament of next season.
The first half was rather dull except for telling one-touch passes by Sundowns striker Manqoba ”Shakes” Ngwenya, who had the crowd yelling ”Shaaaakkkeeesss” with his every touch on the ball.
Cosmos were not interested in the jovial mood Sundowns supporters were in as they worked effortlessly to contain Dillon Sheppard on the left and Brent Carelse in the midfield.
Nevertheless, the former Ajax Cape Town midfielder played neat passes and set-up Ngwenya with a chance in the 20th minute but the striker blasted high over the goalposts.
Lerato Chabangu also got in on the action in the dying minutes and could have put his team in the lead but for Walter Khumalo’s hand in goal.
The teams went in to the break tied at 0-0 with the hosts looking rather pleased. Coach Gordon Igesund bought on veteran striker Peter Ndlovu for Surprise Moriri — a contender for player of the year again — and the Zimbabwean could have scored in the 68th minute after shaking off his marker with ease but his powder puff shot brought out a routine pick-up from Khumalo.
The Brazilians started going forward with more purpose, but a goal was still far off considering the wayward finishing and Khumalo’s efforts in goal.
Cosmos seemed to lose the urgency they started with and allowed Benson Mhlongo a free header from a Sheppard free kick. Sheppard swung the ball in from the left and as the crowd waited for Mhlongo’s header to hit the back of the net, a loud sigh echoed around the half-full Loftus.
Carelse, who was simple and very effective in his playmaking role, had a blistering 22-yard shot saved by Khumalo. The Sundowns faithful became louder and louder as time ran out and, at the end of 90 minutes, were the happiest supporters and players in South Africa.
Cosmos and Ajax are on 44 points but the Cape team edge ahead on goal difference. Ajax have a game to play against the struggling Amazulu on Saturday and a draw will do for them while Ezenkosi will have to look to Stars on Sunday to beat or draw with Chiefs so they may enter the Supa8 – Sapa