Khuliso Mudau of Mamelodi Sundowns challenged by Bradley Cross of Kaizer Chiefs during the Betway Premiership match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.
Image: BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 1
Leon 54’
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1
Lilepo 25’
Kaizer Chiefs held Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1–1 draw in a Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night, indirectly swinging the advantage to sworn rivals Orlando Pirates in the title race.
Sundowns remain top of the standings with 65 points, just three ahead of Pirates, who have a game in hand. Should Pirates win that match against Magesi on Saturday, they would move to the summit due to a superior goal difference, with two games to spare.
Chiefs, meanwhile, remain third on the log with 48 points, but will feel these were two points dropped, as AmaZulu, in fourth place, continue to apply pressure in the race for a top-three finish.
Given the contrast in fortunes between the teams in recent years, Sundowns were expected to ease past Amakhosi – much to the displeasure of Pirates supporters, who hoped their rivals would “do them a favour”.
Chiefs and their supporters answered that call with a spirited display, although a win would have been more valuable. Clad in vibrant gold and black, and waving red and gold flags, the travelling supporters brought colour to a subdued Loftus, dominating the stands.
On the pitch, however, Chiefs took time to settle, perhaps wary of their poor record in Pretoria, having lost their last five matches there, with their previous victory dating back to April 2021.
Sundowns threatened early, with Aubrey Modiba testing Brandon Petersen with a powerful effort, hinting at a difficult night ahead for the visitors.
However, the match soon shifted in tone, with referee Luxolo Badi tasked with managing an increasingly physical encounter.
Keanu Cupido became the first casualty, stretchered off after a collision with Siphesihle Ndlovu that resulted in a suspected collarbone injury.
Chiefs then took the lead through Glody Lilepo, who latched onto a through ball from Mduduzi Shabalala before firing a powerful effort that slipped under Ronwen Williams, struck the upright, and crossed the line.
Despite the breakthrough, the game failed to settle into rhythm, with heavy challenges disrupting play. Shabalala was the next to be forced off after landing awkwardly from a robust challenge by Jayden Adams, reportedly dislocating his shoulder.
Trailing at the break, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made changes, introducing Nuno Santos and Thapelo Morena in place of Themba Zwane and Marcelo Allende.
The substitutions had an immediate impact. Morena delivered a dangerous ball into the area, which Brayan Leon converted past Petersen to level matters early in the second half.
The physical nature of the contest persisted, keeping referee Badi busy. Adams was eventually sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation, reducing Sundowns to 10 men.
With the numerical advantage, Chiefs were expected to press for a winner. However, frequent stoppages disrupted momentum, preventing them from capitalising.
In the end, Chiefs held on for the draw, thanks to a Petersen late save – strengthening their grip on third place while, perhaps more significantly, handing the initiative in the title race to Pirates ahead of their clash with Magesi.