Another title race twist as Sundowns are held by Chiefs

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The Betway Premiership title race took another twist on Wednesday evening when leaders Mamelodi Sundowns were held 1-1 by Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The Brazilians, chasing a ninth successive championship, came from a goal down to salvage a share of the spoils, but the result has opened the door for Orlando Pirates to possibly dethrone them as the undisputed PSL kings.

The Buccaneers are three points behind ‘Downs, but have a game in hand and a significantly better goal difference – meaning three wins from their remaining trio of league fixtures will very likely bring them a first title since 2012.

The Amakhosi, meanwhile, remained in third place and comfortably on course to qualify for the Caf Confederation Cup.

The first genuine effort on goal arrived in the 12th minute when Tashreeq Matthews and Aubrey Modiba combined down the left flank for Sundowns, with the latter driving an effort on target that forced a sharp save from Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen at his near post.

The hosts then suffered an injury blow when defender Keanu Cupido took a heavy blow to the chest and shoulder in a challenge with Siphesihle Ndlovu – necessitating the introduction of Grant Kekana. Ndlovu was perhaps lucky to receive only a yellow card for having both a high foot and following through with his knee.

In the 19th minute, a defence-splitting pass from Jayden Adams put Brayan Leon in on goal, but the Colombian appeared to slip at the vital moment, allowing Petersen to close the distance and make a smothering save.

Six minutes later Chiefs claimed the lead against the run of play. Mduduzi Shabalala showed great vision and awareness to sneak a pass between two defenders for Flavio Da Silva – the Bissau-Guinean squeezed a low shot beyond Ronwen Williams which trickled over the goal line via the inside of the post for 1-0.

The remainder of the first half was peppered with various rough challenges and heated confrontations, culminating in Shabalala being stretchered off in added time before the interval after an aggressive challenge from Adams (which could easily have drawn a red card instead of the yellow he received). Former Sundowns player Gaston Sirino replaced the stricken Chiefs No 7.

Sundowns made two substitutions at the start of the second half, introducing Nuno Santos and Thapelo Morena, and they drew level nine minutes after the restart. A fine passing move ended with Khuliso Mudau whipping in a cross from the right flank to pick out Leon, and the striker provided a confident finish past Petersen to make it 1-1.

In the 64th minute, Sundowns were reduced to 10 men, with Adams rightfully shown a second yellow for simulation. And almost immediately thereafter, Chiefs substituted Ndlovu, who had done more than enough to earn a dismissal of his own, but had ridden his luck until being replaced by Sibongiseni Mthethwa.

Sundowns almost stole all three points deep in injury time when substitute Iqraam Rayners met a free kick and powered a header on target, but Petersen made a brilliant save to see the game close at 1-1.

The teams will return to Premiership action this coming weekend, with Sundowns at home to Siwelele FC on Saturday, and Chiefs away to Sekhukhune United on Sunday.

Mamelodi Sundowns (0) 1 (Leon 54’)

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1 (Da Silva 25’)

Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Cupido (Kekana 17’), Ndamane, Modiba (Shalulile 86’), Mokoena, Allende (Morena 46’), Adams, Zwane (Santos 46’), Matthews, Leon (Rayners 80’)

Chiefs: Petersen, Monyane, Msimango, McCarthy, Cross, Maboe, Ndlovu (Mthethwa 66’), Shabalala (Sirino 45+3’), Lilepo (Vilakazi 83’), Mmodi (Velebayi 84’), Da Silva

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