Kaizer Chiefs dazzled both on and off the pitch but could not find the finishing touch as they were held to a goalless draw by champions Mamelodi Sundowns in a fiery Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.
The near-capacity crowd created an electrifying atmosphere, with Amakhosi fans outsinging and outshining their rivals in the stands. From flares to fireworks, the Chiefs faithful painted the stadium gold, fully backing their side even after the final whistle.
On the field, Chiefs were the more inspired team, dictating the tempo and forcing Sundowns into uncomfortable positions. Yet, despite their dominance, the breakthrough never came, leaving supporters with a bittersweet feeling entertained but without the three points that would have kept their perfect start to the season alive.
Sundowns Escape by a Thread
For Sundowns, the stalemate felt more like a narrow escape. The Brazilians, usually the standard-setters of South African football, were second best on the night. They arrived under pressure following their MTN8 semi-final defeat to Orlando Pirates and once again looked unconvincing.
Coach Miguel Cardoso, already under scrutiny, watched nervously as his team struggled to contain Chiefs’ relentless energy. The contrast between the benches was telling: Nasreddine Nabi calm and calculated in the Amakhosi dugout, while Sundowns’ technical team often paced frantically on the touchline.
Kaizer Chiefs Shine, but No End Product
Chiefs’ biggest problem lay in the final third. While they moved the ball well, particularly through Thabo Cele and Yusuf Maart, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Cele, in particular, endured a frustrating night, losing possession too easily at times when Chiefs needed composure to build attacks.
Godly Lilepo’s audacious strike from distance, forcing Ronwen Williams into a spectacular save, was perhaps their best moment. Moments later, Brandon Petersen was called into action to deny Teboho Mokoena as Sundowns threatened on the counter.
Maboe’s Grand Return
The night wasn’t short of drama. Chiefs unveiled their new signing, former Sundowns midfielder Lebohang Maboe, at halftime with a show of flares and fireworks that matched the occasion. The timing of the announcement further highlighted the buoyant mood around the club, even if the scoreboard refused to budge.
While Chiefs walked away with a draw, it will feel like an opportunity lost. Their fans were in full voice, the team played with intensity, and they looked the more ambitious side throughout. Yet the lack of a clinical striker to finish off their dominance left them settling for a single point.
For Sundowns, meanwhile, the goalless draw provides temporary relief but also underlines a worrying dip in their form. The champions will know they cannot rely on luck for long if they are to maintain their dominance in the league.
Chiefs may not have claimed the win, but the message was clear: under Nabi, they are finding their spark again. The only question now is whether they can turn that sparkle into goals.
Related article: Kaizer Chiefs Eye Perfect Start Against Defending Champions Sundowns
