Mamelodi Sundowns leave it late to sink Kaizer Chiefs

By SABC Sport
9th August 2023

Mamelodi Sundowns secured a late 2-1 victory over Premiership rivals Kaizer Chiefs in their second game of the new season.

The Brazilians started their 2023/24 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United at the weekend, having got away strong with an early goal, and began this tie on the frontfoot as well.

Chiefs on the other hand were held to a goalless draw with Chippa United, having struggled to create chances.

Themba Zwane and Peter Shalulile looked as lively as ever with the latter seeing an early shot blocked before Mothobi Mvala and Lucas Ribeiro both tried their luck from long range, but to little effect.

Sundowns continued to press but it took an error from Amakhosi goalkeeper Brandon Petersen to hand the home side the lead. A poor pass out of defence was picked up and Shalulile laid the ball off to Ribeiro to grab his second goal in two goals for the club.

Chiefs responded with Spiwe Msimango looking to play Ashley Du Preez in on goal after some quick passing but the attacker was caught offside.

Mosa Lebusa then fired in on goal at the other end after a corner, having been fed in by Marcelo Allende but his effort was way off target.

Ribeiro was proving to be a handful and was able to get a shot away from a tight angle from the left-hand side, with the first half drawing to a close, but Petersen made a strong save at his near post.

Sundowns were at it again at the start of the second period as Shalulile forced a fine save from Petersen before the Namibian hitman fired wide just minutes later.

Ranga Chivaviro and Pule Mmodi both threatened as the away team searched for a way back into this game but Sundowns remained on top.

Marcelo Allende and Thapelo Maseko both fired in with the match winding down as Sundowns looked to increase their lead but Petersen held firm.

Ashley Du Preez though was more decisive with strike in the 83rd minute when he latched onto a super cross from Tebogo Potsane to fire past Ronwen Williams.

It was certainly in a sting in the tail for Sundowns, who wasted little time in restoring their lead as second-half substitute Neo Maema pounced to put the ball home past Petersen.