Chiefs dent Sundowns’ title hopes as Stellenbosch punish Citizens

Kaizer Chiefs displayed a gallant performance, holding Mamelodi Sundowns to a 2-2 draw despite being one man down at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Sundowns came into this clash under immense pressure as they were looking to maintain the one-point gap between them and Stellenbosch FC.

They needed a win to keep the gap at one point. However, Amakhosi, who are already out of the DStv Diski Challenge title race, had other plans on the day.

Chiefs were the first to find the back of the net through a beautiful strike by Thulani Mabaso just under 10 minutes into the game. Sundowns responded well, with Kutlwano Letlhaku getting an equalizer in the 31st minute.

In the second half, Sundowns dominated Chiefs and were rewarded in the 63rd minute when Thando Buthelezi scored the second goal to put Sundowns in the lead.

Six minutes later, Chiefs were reduced to 10 players after Davis Morwaswi was sent off.

However, that did not kill Chiefs' plans as they were able to fight back and secure at least a draw in the 88th minute of the match, when Xolani Cossa unleashed a thunderbolt after Chiefs' initial free-kick struck the wall and the ball was sent Cossa’s way.

STELLENBOSCH CRUISE

The draw saw Sundowns remain second on the log with 57 points, three behind leaders Stellenbosch FC who thumped Cape Town City 4-0 to reach 60 points.

With three matches remaining before the curtain comes down in the Diski Challenge, the title race continues between Stellies and Sundowns.

It appears to be Stellenbosch's title to lose it as they are on the verge of becoming the second team to have won the Diski Challenge title twice.

They will join Golden Arrows in the history books after they won the league twice in the 2015-16 and 2017-18 seasons. Stellenbosch won their first Diski Challenge title in the 2021-22 season.