Sundowns now trail leaders Pirates by just three points with a game in hand and, after several years of winning the league at a canter, it is pleasing for the neutral to see that there is at least a contest at the top of the table.
In truth, Pirates might well have won the game to boost their lead to nine points, but they missed chances and hit the woodwork.
The question is: what next for both these sides? We look at the upcoming five league games for each.
Orlando Pirates
Next five league games: Kaizer Chiefs (away, Feb 28), Polokwane City (away, March 4), Richards Bay (home, March 11), Siwelele (home, March 14), TS Galaxy (away, March 22)
Two of Pirates’ next five games are at home, but it is not a particularly taxing run, bar a Soweto Derby against Chiefs up next. Wednesday’s result brings the AmaKhosi back into the title frame. They are eight points behind Pirates but have two games in hand, so victory next up and they will be well in the race.
The four games after that are all matches Pirates would expect to win, the most difficult of those being a trip to TS Galaxy, who blow hot and cold but, on their day, are a match for anyone.
Pirates have won six of their 11 previous meetings with The Rockets (D2 L3) but lost three of their five visits to Mpumalanga.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Next five league games: AmaZulu (away, February 24), Sekhukhune United (home, March 1), Lamontville Golden Arrows (away, March 4), Orbit College (away, March 14), Marumo Gallants (home, March 21)
The last of these five games will be shifted due to Sundowns’ CAF Champions League quarter-final with Stade Malien, but there is not all that much wiggle-room on the calendar, so it could be moved to midweek.
Their next two games are against teams in the top five, away at AmaZulu and home to Sekhukhune United. The latter have Eric Tinkler as coach, who has frustrated Sundowns with various sides many a time down the years.
Sundowns did face Sekhukhune as recently as late January and won 2-0 away from home.
They also have an exceptional record against Usuthu, winning each of their last five meetings without conceding a goal.
The match-up with former coach Manqoba Mngqithi at Golden Arrows on March 4 will also be a fascinating battle of wits.