Sundowns Deny Chiefs Perfect Start as FNB Stadium Clash Ends 1-1

JOHANNESBURG – Mamelodi Sundowns denied Kaizer Chiefs a perfect start to their Betway Premiership campaign after holding the league leaders to a 1-1 draw in an entertaining Round 3 clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Chiefs arrived in Soweto unbeaten after opening their campaign with victories over Kruger United and Sekhukhune United. Sundowns, meanwhile, came into the encounter on the back of a 3-2 win over TS Galaxy.

The match marked the first meeting between the two sides this season, adding further weight to a fixture that remains one of the biggest in South African football.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made one change to his midfield, bringing in Sphelele Mkhulise for the injured Teboho Mokoena after Mkhulise impressed against Galaxy. Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz also made a change, handing Thabo Moloisane his first start at left-back ahead of Reeve Frosler.

Sundowns controlled much of the opening half, with Marcelo Allende and Mkhulise dictating the tempo in midfield. Antonio van Wyk and Tashreeq Matthews, however, found it difficult to make an impact as Chiefs remained compact and disciplined.

Despite enjoying the greater share of possession, Sundowns struggled to turn their dominance into clear-cut opportunities. Chiefs were content to absorb the pressure and wait for opportunities on the counter.

The pattern continued after the break, with neither coach making changes at half-time.

Kaizer Chiefs was denied an opportunity to pull clear at the top of the table as Sundowns held them to a 1 all draw on Saturday.

Chiefs eventually broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. Ndlovu won possession high up the pitch and powered past two challenges before setting up Langelihle Phili, who finished from close range to score his first goal for the club following his move from Stellenbosch FC.

Cardoso responded by turning to his bench, and the decision paid off almost immediately.

Cassius Mailula, back at Sundowns for a second spell after an eventful period abroad that included stints with Toronto FC, Wydad Casablanca and Kortrijk, came off the bench and needed just one touch to make an impact.

Just 13 minutes after being introduced, Mailula headed home from close range to bring Sundowns level and silence the home crowd.

The visitors then pushed for a winner as the game opened up. Brandon Petersen kept Chiefs in the contest with a crucial save to deny Allende from close range.

Neither side could find the decisive goal, however, and the points were shared.

The draw brings an end to Chiefs’ perfect start but extends their unbeaten run. They remain top of the Premiership table with seven points from three matches.

Sundowns, who have played one game fewer, move to four points from two matches and also remain unbeaten.

Attention now turns to defending champions Orlando Pirates, who face Chippa United on Sunday afternoon. A victory would see Pirates close the gap on the leaders as the early Premiership title race begins to take shape.