The Betway Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns ended in a 0-0 draw, with both teams sharing the spoils at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.
Chiefs made three changes to their starting line-up, bringing in Paseka Mako, Zitha Kwinika, and Pule Mmodi for Bradley Cross, Aden McCarthy, and Siphesihle Ndlovu. Sundowns also adjusted their side, with Thapelo Morena, Malibongwe Khoza, and Fawaaz Basadien replacing Zuko Mdunyelwa, Grant Kekana, and Devine Lunga.
Amakhosi were looking to end their league’s winless streak against Sundowns, who they haven’t defeated since a 2-1 victory in 2021 under coach Arthur Zwane.
The game kicked off with intense back-and-forth action. Tashreeq Matthews wasted an early chance in the eighth minute when he couldn’t keep his shot down after a clever header assist from Iqraam Rayners.
Following the early chances, the Sundowns’ attack kind of stalled. They struggled to move the ball forward as Chiefs pressed high up the field. Masandawana started to pick as the half-time approached, denying the home side the space to build up the play.
In the 37th minute, Ronwen Williams made a crucial save on a powerful long-range shot from Glody Lilepo. Just two minutes later, Chiefs’ Brandon Petersen also stopped a strong attempt by Teboho Mokoena. The match reached the interval with a 0-0 scoreline on the board.
The Phefeni Glamour Boys came back from the break with renewed energy, looking to get an opener, but Sundowns remained defiant at the back.
Arthur Sales had a significant opportunity in the 58th minute. His thunderous shot narrowly missed the target, going just inches wide of the back of the net.
In an effort to inject more pace and freshness into their offence, Chiefs made their first change, with Ashley Du Preez coming on to replace Wandile Duba. Later, Nasreddine Nabi made two more changes, taking off Mduduzi Shabalala and Thabo Cele for Gaston Sirino and Sphesihle Ndlovu.
Sundowns responded with three substitutions, introducing Lebo Mothiba, Zuko Mdunyelwa, and Siyabonga Mabena for Rayners, Morena, and Matthews.
As the match drew to a close, Chiefs’ offensive efforts intensified, making them look more threatening than Sundowns. They pressed hard in a final attempt to secure a victory and take all three points. In the additional time, Williams saved Sundowns, stopping Mthethwa’s shot from outside the box. Both teams ultimately shared the spoils, as neither could find the back of the net.
RELATED STORY: ‘The mood is not one of the best’: Williams on Sundowns ahead of Chiefs clash