In an encounter where Sundowns had 7 changes from the squad that played against Marumo Gallants during midweek's Nedbank Cup triumph, youngster Ntando Nkosi was given his senior debut in the DSTV Premiership as coach Rhulani Mokwena had most of the regulars starting on the bench.

Stellenbosch started the opening exchanges of the encounter well, managing to create a few chances and also control proceedings against a very uncomfortable Sundowns on the day due to heavy rain pouring.

Unfortunately it wasn't raining goals as Mamelodi Sundowns were unable to find the back of the net in an action packed first half that saw them grow in confidence as the tempo of the match kept on increasing.

With the two sides heading into halftime deadlocked at 0-0, an entertaining second period was on the horizon as both teams were still in search for the opening goal of the match.

Mokwena brought in some fresh legs including on-form forward Cassius Mailula as the Brazilians tried to unlock the stagnant Stellenbosch defence.

Mailula surely rose to the occasion when he repaid Mokwena's confidence in him by breaking the deadlock in the 77th minute of the encounter to give Sundowns the lead.

Mailula capitalized on a well worked set-piece which Stellenbosch failed to defend in the box and with just a tap in, the 21 year old looked to have sealed the victory for his side.

Unfortunately it wasn't to be as Sundowns' substitute Sipho Mbule came on late in the second half only for him to commit a foul in his own box that saw the referee point to the penalty spot.

Iqraam Rayners stepped up and converted with ease to restore some parity for Steve Barker's men in the 87th minute much to the delight of Stellenbosch's bench.

The draw means that Sundowns are still at the summit of the DSTV Premiership table with 56 points after 22 matches while Stellenbosch have now edged closer to the top 8 position with 27 points on the 10th spot.