Kaizer Chiefs maintained their place at the top of the DStv Diski Challenge this past weekend when held Stellenbosch FC to a 1-1 draw in a top-of the-table clash at Idas Valley Stadium.
Chiefs were dealt a heavy blow five minutes in the match when defender Siyabonga Gumede was shown straight red for a rough tackle on Stellies striker Cheswyn Philander.
Being a player down didn’t unsettle Amakhosi, in fact, they were more dangerous in the first half, created a couple of chances and were finally rewarded three minutes before the break when Naledi Hlongwane found the back of the net.
They went to the break leading. In the second half Stellies were also reduced to ten players ten minutes into the second half after Tony Mbunga picked up a second yellow card.
With the teams even in numbers, Stellies rescued a point when Quwan Plaatjies planted a pin-point header from the area past goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba.
Chiefs remain at the top with 55 points from 23 matches, while Stellenbosch are at the second place with 54 points after 24 matches.
CAPE TOWN CITY 2-2 ORLANDO PIRATES
Orlando Pirates’ also earned a point in dramatic fashion when they scored in the last minutes to secure a 2-2 draw against Cape Town City FC.
Buccaneers seized control ten minutes after halftime through a composed finish by Mehluleli Maphumulo as the Citizens went to sleep at the back.
The Citizens were back on level terms when a beautifully worked cross to the danger area found Shakeel April who made no mistake.
Action-packed final minutes saw the Citizens go ahead through captain Anovuyo Zingato only for the Buccaneers to claim a point through Moses Mphekgoane.
SUPERSPORT UNITED 3-3 TS GALAXY
SuperSport United staged a brave comeback in the second half to snatch a 3-3 draw against TS Galaxy to remain in the top four.
United, who were trounced by the leaders Kaizer Chiefs last weekend needed to redeem themselves but were behind through Seluleko Mahlambi at halftime.
A goal frenzy followed with Seluleko and Keagile Chaane on target for the Rockets before Mandlenkosi Nkosi, Manelis Mazibuko and Thabang Makubo put the host on board.
CHIPPA UNITED 3-2 AMAZULU
Bottom-placed and struggling Chippa United registered just their second win of the season in a thrilling 3-2 victory over AmaZulu.
The defeat dents the visitors chances to jump into the top eight, as the Chill Boys remain at the foot of the table with six matches to go.
RICHARDS BAY FC 1-0 MAGESI FC
Richards Bay FC jumped back into the top eight after beating struggling Magesi FC 1-0. This was a fourth successive defeat for Tlou Segolela’s charges who stunned Sundowns in their last win early March.
The decisive effort came in the middle of the first half and Sbangani Zulu came up with the goods that put daylight between the two outfits.
GOLDEN ARROWS 0-0 MARUMO GALLANTS FC
Golden Arrows and Marumo Gallants couldn’t be separated and settled out a goalless draw in tightly contested clash at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.
Abafana Besthende’s winless run extended to four matches, while Bahlabane Ba Ntwa failed to redeem themselves from last weekend’s heavy drubbing by Mamelodi Sundowns.
POLOKWANE CITY 0-1 MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Mamelodi Sundowns cemented third place in the DStv Diski Challenge standings after seeing off Polokwane City 1-0 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.
The Brazilians tails were on a high before the clash following the 7-1 thumping at Marumo Gallants FC last weekend, while Rise and Shine were held by Chippa United.
Thulani Zandamela scored his tally to 12 goals this season. Sundowns are now third on the log with 48 points.