Chiefs scored in the first half-hour of the match when Mduduzi Shabalala snuck a pass between two defenders for Flavio da Silva. The Bissau-Guinean squeezed a low shot beyond Ronwen Williams, which trickled over the goal line via the inside of the post for 1–0, which was also the score at halftime.

The match was marred by various rough challenges and heated confrontations, culminating in Shabalala being stretchered off in added time before the interval after an aggressive challenge from Jayden Adams.

The club has since released a statement saying Shabalala broke his arm during the incident and will need surgery. The expected recovery period is five to six weeks, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Sundowns, who made two substitutions at the start of the second half, drew level nine minutes after the restart, courtesy of Khuliso Mudau whipping in a cross from the right flank to pick out Brayan Leon, who found the back of the net to make it 1–1.

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Facebook/Mamelodi Sundowns

In the 64th minute, Sundowns were reduced to ten men, with Adams shown a second yellow for simulation.

The draw has placed Sundowns in a very uncomfortable position. Orlando Pirates are three points behind them on the log, but have a game in hand and a significantly better goal difference.  If they win all three remaining matches, they will likely finish top of the log and get their first PSL title since 2012.

All three teams will return to Premiership action this weekend, with Sundowns at home to Siwelele FC on Saturday (09/05) and Orlando Pirates away to Magesi FC in Polokwane. Chiefs play Sekhukhune United away on Sunday (10/05).

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger sm