Kaizer Chiefs Fall To Mamelodi Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs failed to extend their lead on the Absa Premiership table to six points after they were beaten 1-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns on Thursday evening.

Leonardo Castro scored the all important goal in the first half to ensure Sundowns moved level on points with Amakhosi on the Absa Premiership log.

The Brazilians absorbed the early pressure and broke through before 20 minutes after Jose Meza went one-on-one with Akpeyi, but failed to profit as the latter came up trumps.

Kaizer Chiefs had the first big chance in the 25th minute after Manyama delivered an inviting cross to the far post but Willard Katsande’s close range strike was saved on the line by Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.

Ernest Middendorp’s charges gained momentum after that and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute after Frosler’s cross found Yagan Sasman, who headed over the crossbar.

Sundowns went ahead in the 34^th minute when Uruguayan Leonardo Castro connected Zwane’s back heel flick into the bottom right-hand corner.

Lebusa would have scored an equalizer five minutes later but the ball hit the post and went back into play as the Brazilians struggled to deal with Chiefs’ attacks in the closing moments of the first half.

After the break, the Amakhosi once again had a chance to level the scoring, but the wasteful Lebusa could not beat the goalkeeper.

The move came moments after the introduction of Dumisani Zuma, Khama Billiat and Anthony Akumu Agay.

The changes paid dividends as they increased in attacking flow. Parker nearly found the back of the net in the 52nd minute with a promising move that had Mweene stretching to the maximum for a save.

Sundowns brought in Lebo Maboe and Andile Jali for Zwane and Sirino but they brought less impact in extending the Brazilians’ lead.

Amakhosi upped their attacks in the last 10 minutes but Tusker stood firm to jealously prevent their slim lead.

Sundowns remain second but moved on level points with table leaders Kaizer Chiefs who have a superior goal difference.