Sport Reporter
Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns shared the points in a 1-1 Betway Premiership draw at FNB Stadium on Saturday after Langelihle Phili’s second-half opener was cancelled out by substitute Cassius Mailula.
The result moved Chiefs to seven points from their opening three league matches, while Sundowns have four points from two games.
Sundowns enjoyed more of the initiative during a closely fought first half, with Chiefs defending compactly and limiting the visitors’ opportunities in the final third.
Chiefs produced one of the better chances before the interval when Inacio Miguel met a Lebohang Maboe free-kick with a header that forced goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into a save.
The game opened up after halftime and Williams was called into action again when Thabiso Monyane raced onto a long ball into the Sundowns penalty area, prompting the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper to rush from his line and close him down.
Chiefs eventually broke through shortly after the hour mark.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa intercepted a pass from Kegan Johannes and drove into the Sundowns penalty area before laying the ball off to Phili, who finished past Williams to put the hosts ahead.
Chiefs made two attacking changes soon afterwards, with Ethan Chislett and Wandile Duba replacing Phili and Luke Baartman.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso responded from the bench, introducing Bennett Mokoena and Siyanda Ndlovu for Sphelele Mkhulise and Antonio van Wyk.
Mailula was then sent on for Tashreeq Matthews and made an almost immediate impact.
The forward challenged for an aerial ball inside the Chiefs penalty area and beat goalkeeper Brandon Petersen with a header to bring Sundowns level with about 15 minutes remaining.
Petersen kept Sundowns at bay soon after, producing a smart save to deny Marcelo Allende from close range, and Ndlovu fired over from distance in the closing stages as the visitors searched for a winner. Neither side was able to find a decisive second goal.
Chiefs also introduced Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko for Maboe in the closing stages, while Sundowns sent on Divine Lunga and Lebo Mothiba as they pushed for a late winner.
The draw ended Chiefs’ perfect start to the league campaign following victories over Kruger United and Sekhukhune United, although Fernando Da Cruz’s side remain unbeaten after three Premiership matches.
Sundowns are scheduled to host Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday, while Chiefs’ next league match is away to Richards Bay on August 26.
INSIDE POLITICS
