Mamelodi Sundowns huff and puffed, but were unable to find a way past George Chigova as Polokwane City held the Tshwane giants to a goalless draw in an Absa Premiership clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The hosts had several chances throughout the game, but Rise and Shine held firm to win a valuable point on the road.

For Polokwane, the stalemate moves them to 12th on the log standings while Sundowns remain fifth.

Sundowns, fresh off a 6-1 win over Free State Stars in the Telkom Knockout Cup, were into their stride straight away with Khama Billiat directing his chip shot from an acute angle onto the post - via a helping hand from George Chigova - in the opening minute.

Wayne Arendse was then unlucky to see his header from the resulting corner-kick hit the inside off the post and bounce in-field for Chigova to clear.

The visitors first shot in anger fell to Puleng Tlolane just short of the half-hour, the striker's turn and shot was well kept out by Wayne Sandilands who was named in goal with Denis Onyango suffering a reported knock to his shoulder.

Again, from the resulting set-piece, City went close to opening the scoring with Sibusiso Mbonani rising highest before directing his header straight into Sandilands grateful hands.

Bongani Zungu was unlucky not to open the scoring in the 44th minute, having ghosted in front of the Rise and Shine defence, the former AmaTuks midfielder met Mogakolodi Ngele's cross with real power, but Chigova was well positioned to make a top class save.

For all the attacking intent, neither side could open the scoring before the break with both coaches left frustrated at the lack of killer instinct in front of goal.

Like in the first-half, Sundowns took control early on in the second stanza with Hlompho Kekana stinging Chigova's palms on the hour.

The Brazilians continued to do all the attacking with Katlego Mashego forcing Chigova into a brave save in stoppage time - the Zimbabwean stopper the deserved recipient of the man of the match award at the end of the match.

Teams

Sundowns: Sandilands; Mashaba, Arendse, Nthethe, Mphahlele, Kekana (Modise 77'), Zungu, Ngele (Laffor 55'), Dolly, Billiat, Castro (Mashego 65')

City: Chigova; Phungwayo, Masenamela, Mbonani, Tema, Nene, Bogere (Shiba 55'), Maluleke, Alexander, Mncwango, Tlolane (Nzimande 78')