Chiefs impress but fail to silence Sundowns as spoils are shared

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Chiefs impress but fail to silence Sundowns as spoils are shared
Glody Lilepo of Kaizer Chiefs attempts to shoot past Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwem Williams.

Kaizer Chiefs were impressive but could only secure a goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in their fourth PSL match at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Wednesday.

Chiefs had a good display as they troubled Sundowns for most of the contest with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams the busier of the two men in goal.

Sundowns were the first team to get into a good area when Arthur Sales got a good ball over the Chiefs’ defence with Iqraam Rayners heading it into the path of Tashreeq Matthews who fired over the bar.

Tashreeq Mathews conyrols the ball during Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs match.

In the 10th minute, Chiefs had a glorious opportunity when Paseko Mako, making his first start of the season, brought in a cross that was headed in by Wandile Duba but it was an easy take by Williams.

Chiefs’ press gives Sundowns problems

By this time, Chiefs were making it difficult for Sundowns to play through the lines with their high press forcing the PSL champions to pass sideways and backwards.

Glody Lilepo drew a good save from Williams after 37 minutes when his cracking shot saw the goalkeeper tip it over the bar for a corner.

Thabiso Monyane and Fawaaz Basadien vie for the ball during Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns match.

Chiefs nearly conceded shortly after when Sundowns went on the counter-attack from the corner with Teboho Mokoena forcing Brandon Petersen to punch out from a good shot.

After the break, Chiefs nearly shot themselves in the foot when Inacio Miguel was dispossessed but Rayners hesitated before passing to Sales, who fired wide.

Where does the draw leave both sides?

The final minutes of the second half belonged to Chiefs as they launched attack after another but could not get past Williams who saved another good shot from Sibongiseni Mthethwa and then from Gaston Sirino’s freekick.

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Patersen.

It is now four-and-a-half years since Chiefs last beat Sundowns but the improved display will give coach Nasreddine Nabi plenty to be positive about while his opposite number Miguel Cardoso was visibly annoyed as his team failed to sparkle yet again this season.

Chiefs remain second on the PSL table with 10 points, same as Sekhukhune United, and two more than Sundowns from four games and have kept a fourth straight clean sheet.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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