Mamelodi Sundowns began their pre-season tour with a disappointing 2-1 loss at the hands of the German 3rd division side SV Sandhausen at Stadion Jenbach in Austria on Tuesday evening.
Bafana Ba Style had a slow start to the match, struggling to find their usual rhythm. They were unable to effectively circulate the ball.
Meanwhile, the home side took the lead in the 33rd minute via Tim Luis Maciejewski.
Thereafter, Masandawana took control of the game, spending extended periods in the German side's half. Despite creating numerous opportunities, they struggled to deliver the decisive final pass in the penalty area.
The match reached the interval with Sandhausen leading 1-0.
In the second half, they came back and made even more forward movements, seeking their first goal in European pre-season tour. Their constant attempts paid off as they levelled the scoreline in the 55th minute through Tashreeq Matthews after a beautiful setup from the captain Themba Zwane.
However, in the 70th minute, Dominic Baumann netted the second goal for Sandhausen which proved to be their matchwinner.
HOW THE TWO TEAMS LINED UP?
Sundowns XI: Pieterse, Mdunyelwa, Khoza, Mvala, Nku, Nkosi, Maboe, Maema, Esquivel, Mabena, Matthews
Subs: February, Morena, De Reuck, Lebusa, Letlhaku, Mkhulise, Coetzee, Allende, Kodisang, Zwane, Aubaas
SV Sandhausen XI: Konigsmann, Ehlich, Lorch, Fuchs, Halimi, Iwe, Muhling, Maciejewski, Pink, Stolze, Bonga
Subs: Rehnen, Idjakovic, Girdvains, Meier, Lewald, Otto, Zander, Schikora, Greil, Wolf, Baumann, Lambert, Alagi
NEXT FIXTURES FOR SUNDOWNS
The DStv Premiership champions are next in action against the Ukranian giants Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday, 17 July at 6 pm before they face the English Championship side Cardiff City on Tuesday, 23 July at 4 pm.
They will conclude their pre-season tour with a doubleheader on July 26th. They will face Qatari club Al Rabi SC at 11 am, followed by a match against Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal at 4 pm.
