By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns played to an entertaining 1-1 draw in the Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Langelihle Phili netted the opening goal for Chiefs shortly after the hour-mark. Cassius Mailula, who is back for a second stint at Sundowns after a whirlwind spell abroad with stops at Toronto FC, Wydad Casablanca and Kortrijk, cancelled it out with a header right after coming on with around 15 minutes left to play.
Chiefs remain top of the league for the moment with seven points from three games, while African champions Sundowns have four from two.
However, neither heavyweight could land the decisive blow, with the two giants once again forced to share the spoils in a fiercely contested encounter.
The stalemate continues Chiefs’ unbeaten start to the league campaign, with two wins and a draw from their opening three matches, leaving them on seven points under new coach Fernando Da Cruz.
Chiefs are now without a victory in their last 11 league meetings with Sundowns, with seven defeats and four draws. Their last league success against the Brazilians remains the 2-1 victory at Loftus Versfeld in 2021.
Across all competitions, Chiefs have won only one of their last 16 meetings with Sundowns. The Brazilians have won nine, with six draws.
There have now been 115 meetings between Chiefs and Sundowns in all competitions since the formation of the NSL. Chiefs have claimed 42 wins to Sundowns’ 38, with another 35 games drawn. Chiefs have outscored their opponents 129-127.
Betway Premiership Results
Amazulu 2-0 Siwelele FC
Stellies 3-1 Marumo Gallents
Sekhukhune United 2-0 Polokwane.