Playing two league matches in four days just after the international break seemed to take its toll on Mamelodi Sundowns players as they laboured to a 1-1 Betway Premiership draw against Marumo Gallants at Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night.
The result left the eight-time successive champions 16 points a point behind leaders Sekhukhune United 15.
Sundowns beat Magesi FC 3-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday but could not produce the same performance against a willy Gallants who held on to a point that keeps them on the eighth spot with eight points after six matches.