Kaizer Chiefs threw the Betway Premiership title race into a potential photo finish after frustrating 10-man Mamelodi Sundowns to drop two crucial points in the 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Brazilians had to come back from behind through Brayan Leon to salvage a point from this intense confrontation. They played 26 minutes with a man down following a red card to midfielder Jayden Adams. But it was a slip-up for Sundowns, who could not widen their gap at the top of the standings.
Now left with two games before they conclude their league campaign, Miguel Cardoso’s side has three points more than second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have played a game less. That sets up this title brawl into an intriguing contest which could be decided on the final day. Pirates now enjoy what looks like a healthy goal difference over the Brazilians.
By picking a point on the road, Chiefs remain third but have 14 points fewer than the Buccaneers. They would be happy to have recovered from last week’s defeat by Siwelele FC. The Glamour Boys lived up to some predictions that they could shake the title contenders after recently restricting Pirates to a 1-1 draw in the Soweto Derby. They then recorded a similar result against the Tshwane giants.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso brought back Leon for Iqraam Rayners despite the Bafana striker scoring in their 3-0 win over Polokwane City last Sunday. Khuliso Mudau also returned to occupy the right-back slot in place of Thapelo Morena.
For Chiefs co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, they made an adjustment at left-back by picking Bradley Cross for Paseka Mako. Central midfielder Thabo Cele made way for Siphesihle Ndlovu, while Flavio da Silva stepped in for Wandile Duba.
FIRST HALF INJURY FORCED SUBSTITUTIONS, DA SILVA RISES TO THE OCCASION
There might be fears in the Sundowns camp that centre-back Keanu Cupido could miss the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR. He was pulled out injured for Grant Kekana 17 minutes into the game. Just a minute later, Leon looked to score his first goal against Chiefs, but was blocked by goalkeeper Brandon Petersen in a one-on-one situation.</p>
Amakhosi appeared to have mastered Masandawana’s launch of attacks right from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. They plugged in the gaps he uses to supply from his area. A serve by the Bafana Bafana captain saw Mduduzi Shabalala winning possession and setting up Da Silva. The former Portugal youth international’s effort went through, first off the upright into the net to hand Chiefs the lead in the 25th minute.</p>
The decision to start the Guinea-Bissau attacker had paid off for Amakhosi as the striker grabbed his eighth league goal of the season.</p>
Chiefs coaches were forced to tweak things on the stroke of halftime when Gaston Sirino was sent in for Shabalala, who was stretchered off the pitch. The Amakhosi star had got to the end of a dangerous foul from Adams, who, in the process, earned himself a yellow card.</p>
LEON STEPS UP TO SUNDOWNS’ RESCUE
Leon then finally managed to get Sundowns’ equaliser 10 minutes into the second half when he beat Petersen. Since arriving in South Africa in January, the Colombian has now scored against both Soweto giants, Pirates and Chiefs.
Characteristic of a temperament high-profile match, Adams was given his marching orders in the 64th minute. This was for simulation in a challenge against Lebohang Maboe and added to his earlier booking.
Sundowns almost went ahead deep into stoppage time, but Petersen pulled a spectacular save that could have strengthened his 2026 FIFA World Cup case. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was in the stands watching the contest.
Meanwhile, TS Galaxy continued with their winless run in the league after stretching it to 12 matches. This is after a 1-1 draw with 10-man Marumo Gallants at Mbombela Stadium. Ndabayithetha Ndlondlo thrust the visitors ahead in the 17th minute, but Seluleko Mahlambi hit back for the Rockets with 10 minutes to the break.
It was a third match without victory for TS Galaxy caretaker coach Bernard Parker. But his side remains 12th on the table while Gallants are still in the relegation zone at 15th.
In the KwaZulu-Natal Derby at Moses Mabhida Stadium, AmaZulu FC missed out on an opportunity to close in on Chiefs after a 1-1 draw with Golden Arrows. Sandile Mthethwa sent Usuthu ahead in the 17th, but Jerome Karelse drew level for Arrows in stoppage time. AmaZulu had seemed to be walking away with three points.
Arthur Zwane’s side is still five points behind Amakhosi, while Abafana Bes’thende did not move from position eight.
At uMthlathuze Stadium, Richards Bay remained stronger after a 0-0 draw with Polokwane City. The Natal Rich Boyz, however, are still 11th on the standings. Rise and Shine removed Durban City from position six with their piint.
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