Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns played out to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final encounter at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Following a scrappy start in the opening first minutes of the showdown, clear-cut chances were scarce from the two teams.
As the half progressed, both sides were predominantly concentrating on defending their goal and trying to find each other’s game plan.
Molefi Ntseki’s troops showed resistance at the back, as Rulani Mokwena’s boys tried to create chances via set-pieces.
The home mainly tried to test Ronwen Williams in the goals from a distance, however, their efforts were fruitless.
Nevertheless, Bafana Ba Style dominated possession and controlled proceedings for the majority of the first period.
Despite Sundowns having control of the showpiece, they could not find a way to unlock the hosts’ rock-solid defence.
KAIZER CHIEFS, MAMELODI SUNDOWNS LEVEL AT THE HALF-TIME BREAK
The contest went into the interval with nothing to separate both teams.
Back out for the second stanza, Sundowns began the match in a similar fashion and came close to drawing the first blood with Teboho Mokoena’s attempt at goal with a free kick, but couldn’t keep his effort low as the ball went over the bar.
However, the Soweto giants regained their confidence when the second half wore on. But Ntseki’s charges could not find any luck in breaking the opposition’s defence.
Interestingly, the unfazed visitors did not sit back and watch Chiefs come at them, instead, they pushed forward to try to prevail over the Glamour Boys on their own turf.
EDSON CASTILLO BREAKS THE DEADLOCK
Unfortunately, Chiefs came back stronger with Edson Castillo breaking the deadlock in the 61st minute, thanks to Ashley Du Preez’s supply.
Masandawana showed plenty of desire to find an equaliser, but their prayers were not heard by the man from the above at the time.
In the dying minutes of the game, Khuliso Mudau found an equaliser for Sundowns.
In the end, Amakhosi failed to walk away victorious with all the bragging rights.
The second leg clash will take place at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, 23 September 2023.
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