Downs and Chiefs All Square in DStv Diski Challenge Thriller

The Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team were held to a 2-2 draw by the Kaizer Chiefs Reserves, following what was a rollercoaster of a game on Sunday morning at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. The mouthwatering return fixture saw the two sides exchange leads which ended up with two goals apiece.

Even with the few clear-cut chances from Masandawana in the first half, it was the Glamour Boys who struck first, seven minutes into the match. A short pass made in the box saw Chiefs intercept and open the scoring.

In a frantic half an hour, the Brazilians tried to give an immediate response with an opportunity from Kutlwano Letlhaku after he escaped Chiefs’ pressure, but the chance went wide. It however did not take long enough for Coach Themba’s charges to level matters all thanks to Letlhaku. The goal came from a corner kick which was headed away but Siyabonga Ndebele was able to win it back and have it land on Letlhaku’s possession through a few passes within the scramble in the area. This saw the two sides head to the break a goal apiece.

Masandawana seemed to have enjoyed the second stanza as they created more chances. The first threatening opportunity came from Siyabonga Mabena and Letlhaku’s partnership who were faced head on with the goalkeeper but the ball got cleared. Another opportunity to snatch the lead came from a set piece after Mabena was fouled outside the box. The ball found Malibongwe Khoza in the box but his header was unable to find the net as it hit the crossbar.

A goal finally came to put Downs in advantage on the 63^rd minute through Onele Rulwana. Mabena was able to split the Chiefs defence as he moved into the area, handing the ball over to Rulwana who made it two for the home team. A third goal almost came in two occasions. The first time, the Brazilians kept the ball alive as they kept trying to find a rebound that was going to see them extend the lead, but it went wide. The second chance came from a penalty kick following a foul on Thando Buthelezi in the box. The kick was taken by Rulwana to the left but the keeper blocked it.

A foul on Kaizer Chiefs just outside the box saw the away side overturn Masandawana’s advantage in the final minutes of the match after a thunderous effort hit the net, to level matters. More chances were created by both sides but they amounted to nothing, having the home team share spoils in this encounter.

How they played: Raludzingana, Ndebele, Nkabinde, Khoza, Norawana, Nkosi ©, Rulwana, Kekana, Buthelezi, Mabena, Letlhaku.

Substitutes: Shabangu, Mampane, Nkonxeni, Karelse, Ramotsei.