Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United in their Betway Premiership opener on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Arthur Sales opened the scoring for the league defending champions in the first-half before Khaya Mfecane netted an equaliser for the Sinethemba Badela-led side.
Notably, new signing Fawaaz Basadien began in the right-wing back position with Aubrey Modiba deployed in the left-wing back role. Meanwhile, Peter Shalulile, who has been at the centre of rumours about a possible departure, was on the bench.
For Chippa, the two new acquisitions, Sammy Seabi and Goodman Mosele, were in the starting line-up. Chippa began the game at a fast pace, putting Masandawana’s defence under pressure during the first five minutes.
Moments later, the Brazilians started to produce a couple of forward movements looking to find a breakthrough in the early stages of the game.
In the 21st minute, Rayners had a golden opportunity in the box after a defensive mix-up by Chippa, but he couldn’t get to the ball in time.
Miguel Cardoso’s team continued to press for an opening goal, but despite controlling possession and playing in Chippa’s half, they were struggling to create meaningful opportunities to score.
The Tshwane giants broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Arthur Sales scored, beating Stanley Nwabali after a clever set-up from Tashreeq Matthews.
Five minutes later, Chippa came close to levelling the scoreline when Asanele Bonani sent his effort over the bar after a cross from Xolani Sithole following a counter-attack. The match went to half-time with Sundowns leading 1-0.
BASADIEN DROPPED IN THE SECOND-HALF
Cardoso made his first substitution at the start of the second-half, with Zuko Mdunyelwa coming in for Basadien.
Sundowns picked up where they left off with their ball possession dominance while the hosts remained solid defensively, frustrating the visitors who were pushing for a second goal.
Meanwhile, Chippa made several attempts to catch Sundowns on a fast break whenever they regained possession. Themba Zwane and Keanu Cupido were brought on for Sundowns in the 61st minute, taking the places of Jayden Adams and Mosa Lebusa.
In the 65th minute, Chippa found an equaliser through Khaya Mfecane, whose shot deflected off Teboho Mokoena.
And in an effort to regain the lead, the coach replaced Sales and Matthews with Kutlwano Letlhaku and Siyabonga Mabena. In the 88th minute, a brilliant back-heel from Zwane found Mabena open behind the defence, but the youngster failed to convert the golden opportunity, sending his attempt wide.
The home side managed to deny Sundowns a breakthrough until the final whistle, with points shared at the end.
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