PSL | Kaizer Chiefs come from behind to draw with Gallants

Marumo Gallants 1-1 Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs had to come from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Sunday.

Gallants took the lead in the 12th minute after a ball over the top released Mahlatse Makudubela through goal on goal and he buried the ball into the bottom corner.

Chiefs responded soon after when Dillon Solomons fired into the side-netting from the angle. Moments later Ismail Watenga had to be alert when dealing with Njabulo Ngcobo's header on goal.

Ashley du Preez burst into life for a brief moment on the stroke of half-time but dragged his shot wide of the target.

Gallants went down to ten men in the 66th minute when Olivier Toure was given a straight red card for his reckless studs-up tackle on Du Preez.

Chiefs took advantage of the extra man and equalised in the 84th minute when Zwitha Kwinika headed home at the back post from Sifiso Hlanti's free-kick.

The Amakhosi looked like the team that were more likely to snatch the three points but it was not to be as the Glamour Boys remain in the bottom three.

Kaizer Chiefs remain in the bottom three on the DStv Premiership table after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with ten-man Marumo Gallants on Sunday afternoon.

Sundowns back at the top

Defending PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns beat Golden Arrows 2-1 in Pretoria on Saturday night to return to the top of the DStv Premiership table.

It was an exciting clash at the  Tuks Stadium, with Arrows equalising after Sundowns went 1-0 up only to undo all of their good work via an unfortunate own goal as Masandawana hung on for the win.

There were a few surprises in the Sundowns line-up, with Sphelele Mkhulise, Sipho Mbule and Sifiso Ngobeni all given rare starts.

It did not take the home side long to start to stamp their authority on the match, with most of the attacking impetus in the opening 45 minutes coming from them.

Peter Shalulile was proving to be the biggest thorn in Arrows' side, forcing a save at the near post out of goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede earlier in the half before winning and scoring the penalty that would ultimately see Sundowns go ahead just before the end of the first half.

The Namibian striker was brought down by Gumede after scything through the defence and stepped up to take the penalty kick as well, drilling it home as Sundowns took a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

Masandawana could have been 2-0 just moments before the half-time whistle when Shalulile turned provider for Themba Zwane after a well-played ball over the top, but the Sundowns veteran couldn't find the target.

The match was turned on its head just after half-time, however, when Arrows conjured up an equaliser via an unlikely route - a long-range effort from Pule Mmodi that somehow managed to evade everyone in the box and bounce over goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and into the net.

That goal seemed to give Arrows confidence and they forced a smart save out of Williams shortly after following a beautifully taken free-kick into the area.

But disaster would strike for the visitors just before the hour mark when a low cross powerfully struck into the box cannoned off Siyavuya Ndlovu's leg and into the net for an own goal.

Arrows still had plenty of time to try and find an equaliser, but Sundowns weren't about to let their advantage slip again, and were able to see out the remainder of the match despite their opponents giving it their all.

- TEAMtalk Media

Bucs go joint top with Galaxy victory

Orlando Pirates were back to winning ways in the DStv Premiership after a 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy at the Orlando stadium on Saturday.

A Spiwe Msimango own goal and another first-half strike from Zakhele Lepasa was enough for the Buccaneers to get maximum points and bounce from their defeat to Maritzburg United last time out.

The Soweto giants were on the front foot early on in the contest and took the lead in the sixth minute when Lepasa collected a through ball from Kabelo Dlamini and fired a shot that deflected off Msimango and into the back of the net.

Lepasa could have doubled the lead on the half-hour mark but the forward saw his effort saved by Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi.

It did not take long after that for Lepasa to get on the score sheet though as he chipped over the Galaxy defence and Buthelezi missed the flight of the ball.

Pirates were in the ascendancy in the early stages of the second half and Bandile Shandu fired over from an Innocent Maela cross.

Galaxy were struggling on attack and failed to create any clear-cut openings as the Buccaneers claimed maximum points for their fourth victory in eight league matches this campaign.

- TEAMtalk Media

Gleeful Chippa nick three points off wayward AmaZulu

Chippa United picked up a 2-0 win against AmaZulu FC in their DStv Premiership encounter taking place at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

This result came very much against the run of play as AmaZulu dominated possession-wise and also with goal attempts.

They failed to score thanks to a mix of poor finishing, good defending and some decent saves by Chippa goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua.

In the sixth minute, Chippa were awarded a penalty when Ramahlwe Mphahlele handled the ball in the area.

Roscoe Pietersen scored from the penalty spot.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 43rd minute via an angled shot by Azola Matrose.

AmaZulu pulled a goal back through Veluyeke Zulu in the 92nd minute.

The result means Chippa have climbed off the bottom of the league table to 13th position with eight points from eight games while AmaZulu are fourth with 11 points after seven games.

- TEAMtalk Media

Deserved win for Stellies against wasteful hosts

Stellenbosch FC beat Swallows FC 2-1 in their DStv Premiership encounter at Bidvest Stadium.

The visiting Stellenbosch side really took the game to Swallows and fully deserved the three points having more possession and scoring opportunities.

Of the five chances they created, Swallows did not trouble keeper Sage Stephens at all.

The visitors took the lead in the 28th minute when Sinethemba Mngomezulu scored with a shot from in the box.

Swallows got the equaliser in the 37th minute through an own-goal by Vusi Sibiya.

In the 53rd minute, Stellenbosch scored again through Júnior Mendieta's shot.

This win lifts Stellenbosch to eighth on the log with nine points and Swallows occupy 11th position on eight points.

- TEAMtalk Media

SuperSport up to sixth with gritty win

SuperSport United beat Maritzburg United 2-1 in their DStv Premiership clash at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.

The SSU goals were scored by Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Onismor Bhasera, while Lucky Baloyi scored for Maritzburg.

The result lifts SuperSport to sixth on the log after seven games with 11 points and Maritzburg now occupy ninth position on nine points.

In the fourth minute, Maritzburg had a scoring chance when a Genino Palace free-kick into the box was headed by Brian Hlongwa but flew past the left post.

A little later, SuperSport's Bradley Grobler tried a long-range shot which was blocked by the defence and came to nothing.

The home side had another chance minutes later when an Amadou Soukouna header from a cross by Lucky Baloyi produced a great diving save by goalkeeper George Chigova.

In the 17th minute, SuperSport's Thalente Mbatha tried a long-range shot that flew close past the right post.

Rowan Human tried his luck with a shot from the in-box but it flew over the SuperSport crossbar.

Then Given Mashikinya also fired a shot at the SuperSport goal which flew high and wide.

The Team of Choice were dominating play having had more chances after the opening 35 minutes.

Just before the halftime break Tumelo Njoti hammered a right-footed shot goalward from inside the box but it flew past the right post.

The first half ended 0-0 with Maritzburg looking the more likely to score having had more chances than SSU.

In the 57th, SuperSport took the lead when a cross by Iqraam Rayners from a corner was headed into the bottom right corner by Thatayaone Ditlhokwe to give his side the 1-0 lead.

A minute later, Maritzburg grabbed the equaliser when Lucky Baloyi scored with a shot that flew in the left corner to make it 1-1 and all to play for.

The visitors did more attacking during the second half and started to control possession a lot more compared to the opening 45 minutes.

SSU were rewarded for their efforts in the 73rd minute and took the lead when a cross by Iqraam Rayners was headed by Onismor Bhasera from close to beat keeper King Ndlovu and give his side the 2-1 lead.

Maritzburg threw everything at SuperSport late in the game and had scoring opportunities through Keegan Ritchie, Friday Samu and Genino Palace but could not make any of their chances count.

The match ended 2-1 in favour of SuperSport in a very entertaining game.

- TEAMtalk Media

Shalulile shines for Sundowns in win over Chippa

A Peter Shalulile goal in second-half injury time gave Sundowns a 1-0 win over Chippa United in their DStv Premiership clash on Wednesday.

The league champions also saw Aubrey Modiba sent off just before the end of the match for a second bookable offence. 

While Sundowns dominated possession for much of the match and registered 16 attempts on goal, Chippa's defence stood resolute until Shalulile secured the point. 

The win moves Sundowns up to the top of the log while Chippa are in last position after seven games in the season. 

CT City held to goalless draw by Sekhukhune United 

Cape Town City could not find the back of the net as they were held to a goalless draw at home by Sekhukhune United at Athlone stadium on Tuesday.

The Citizens came into the contest with confidence having gone unbeaten in their last four league encounters, including victories over Kaizer Chiefs and TS Galaxy.

Sekhukhune, meanwhile, had only won one of their first six games this campaign and were underdogs heading into the contest.

The hosts made the early running and came close to opening the scoring but Fidele Ambina's long-range effort flashed narrowly wide while Tahir Goedeman hit the post when the forward was clean through on goal.

Sekhukhune were much better in the second half and created chances of their own with Victor Letsoalo and Nyiko Mobbie coming close to breaking the deadlock.

The game eventually petered out and both teams had to settle for a point each after squandering opportunities to put the game out of reach.

-TEAMtalk Media

Richards Bay sitting pretty on top of the log after victory over Royal AM

Newly promoted Richards Bay went to the summit of the DStv Premiership standings after a 1-0 victory over Royal AM at the Chatsworth stadium on Tuesday.

Luvuyo Memela scored the only goal of the game in the 27th minute as Richards Bay picked up their fourth win in seven league matches this season.

Memela capitalised on confusion in the home team's box, pouncing as the ball bounced between defenders, after his first effort was parried by goalkeeper Patrick Nyame, and he reacted quickest again to fire past the shot-stopper to give the visitors the lead.

Royal AM could have made the perfect start to the second half but for some excellent last-ditch defending by Richards Bay as Motebang Sera saw his effort blocked on the goal-line.

The visitors eventually held on for a famous victory and now have a two-week break before they take on TS Galaxy.

Royal AM, meanwhile, will swap domestic duties for continental opponents at the weekend as they travel to Eswatini for a clash against Mbabane Highlanders in the Caf Confederation Cup.

- TEAMtalk media

Late penalty earns Maritzburg win against Pirates in thrilling battle

Maritzburg United recorded a massive three points as they defeated Orlando Pirates 1-0 at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday evening.

It took an Amadou Soukouna penalty on 80 minutes to separate the two sides and hand the home team just their second win of the new DStv Premiership season.

The Buccaneers recorded 14 shots at goal with only two shots hitting the target compared to Maritzburg, who had five efforts at goal as only three hit the target as most of their focus was on their ruthless defending.

Maritzburg had 34% possession, while Pirates had the ball 66% of the entire match.

Pirates started well with first Fortune Makaringe shooting just over the target following a well-worked corner before Innocent Maela saw his goal-bound effort superbly blocked.

Olisa Ndah was the next player to be denied by some resolute Maritzburg defending in a first half categorised by some good midfield play but too few real goal-mouth chances.

Soukouna saw his rare attempt for the home side comfortably saved by Bucs keeper Richard Ofori while the first half ended with a strong save from Ofori from a well-struck Soukouna shot as Maritzburg broke forward.

The Team of Choice started the second half more brightly and Tumelo Njoti came close with a drive that was deflected just wide, before Ndah glanced a header, from a good Thabang Monare cross, just away from goal.

Monare should have done better with his own effort on 59 minutes, but he blasted over.

Pirates were increasingly more dominant the longer the tie progressed and Zakhele Lepasa wasn't too far off a winner with 65 minutes on the clock, only to pull his shot before Paseka Mako skied his effort from another good Monare set-up.

Both sides made a number of substitutions in order to affect the outcome of this game, but it was Maritzburg to come out on top as 71st-minute substitute Siboniso Conco won a penalty on 79 minutes that Soukouna duly converted a minute later.

Pirates responded with half chances from Mako and late replacements Kwame Peprah and Collins Makgaka but there was no way through for the DStv Premiership leaders, who slipped to third place on the standings with this loss, as Maritzburg moved up to the seventh spot.

Gallants still without a win in Swallows stalemate

Marumo Gallants FC remain winless this season after being held to a 1-1 draw by Swallows FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

The game began at lightning speed and was an end-to-end affair in the opening exchanges. However, it was only until the 21st minute the first opportunity was carved out and it fell to Waseem Isaacs, who found the back of the net but had the goal ruled out for offside.

Gallants responed soon after when Celimpilo Ngema's through ball found Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, whose strike forced goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa took the lead in the 38th minute when Katlego Otladisa's free-kick delivery picked out Sibusiso Khumalo who glanced his header into the corner of the net.

Birds coach Dylan Kerr was frustrated with his side's first-half display and made a triple change at the break bringing on Givemore Khupe, Siyabonga Khumalo and Thato Makua.

The substitutions paid dividends and managed to sway the momentum back in Swallows' favour as they equalised in the 65th minute when he fired low into the bottom corner after being found by Mwape Musonda's through ball.

Gallants striker Serge Junior Dion had a goal ruled out before Musonda had a glaring opportunity in the 86th minute after going clear on goal but Mbanjwa came out on top in the duel as the sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.

- TEAMtalk media

Dolly bench, Solomons misses penalty as Chiefs come up short against AmaZulu 

Kaizer Chiefs were held to a 0-0 draw by AmaZulu at FNB Stadium on Saturday after a penalty and numerous scoring chances were squandered.

Amakhosi had a half-chance early in the DStv Premiership clash as a corner kick was almost steered on goal by Lehlogonolo Matlou, who just couldn't beat his defender and found the side-netting.

At the other end of the pitch, Namibian Riaan Hanamub whipped in a cross from the left flank, which found Bongi Ntuli at the far post, but he headed wide of the target.

Chiefs looked set for the game's opening goal when they were rewarded a penalty in the 21st minute, following a handball in the box.

However, Dillon Solomons missed the spot-kick wide as regular penalty taker Keagan Dolly watched on from the subs bench.

AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa then had to pull off a save as Khama Billiat unleashed a shot after Kgaogelo Sekgota flicked on a long ball.

Usuthu should've taken the lead just after the break when Chiefs gave Augustine Chidi Kwem too much space in their own box.

The Nigerian thrashed a shot on target but straight at Itumeleng Khune.

An exquisite ball over the top from Billiat gave Matlou an excellent chance to break the deadlock. His touch was too heavy, and another opportunity went begging.

Chiefs continued knocking on the door as Hlanti and Sekgota tried to beat Mothwa, but the visitors held on, and the spoils were shared.

Richards Bay, Arrows, City all earn three points

Elsewhere, Stellenbosch suffered their third defeat on the trot in a 2-1 loss at home to newbies Richards Bay FC. 

Three first-half goals by Ntsikelelo Nxadi, Nduduzo Sibiya and Pule Mmodi gave Golden Arrows only their second win of the campaign against Chippa United which scored twice in five minutes to scare the home side.

However, Arrows eagerly held on for 3-2 win.

Cape Town City's in-form striker Khanyis Mayo scored within 20 minutes of the first-half to ensure Eric Tinkler's side move further adrift of the relegation zone.

SuperSport United stun star studded Mamelodi Sundowns

SuperSport United overcame Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in a DStv Premiership clash at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Friday night.

Thapelo Maseko opened the scoring on nine minutes and Bradley Grobler made sure of the result with his goal on the stroke of half time.

Abubeker Nassir netted his second goal in two games for Sundowns, this time playing from the start, but it was just a consolation in the 93rd minute.

The result lifted Matsatsantsa into sixth place on the standings and was a fitting revenge for the 2-0 loss suffered by the club to Sundowns in the MTN8 last week.

The Brazilians, who had started the tie on the back foot, remained in second place on the standings with three wins from six games.

Iqraam Rayners was quickest out of the blocks for SuperSport United and produced a fine strike in the opening minutes to draw an equally well-time save from Ronwen Williams.

Nasir then latched on to a Marcelo Allende pass to fire in on goal, but only into the grateful hands of George Chigova.

Thapelo Maseko was high and wide on six minutes with a long-range shot, but made no mistake just three minutes later as he slotted home a Rayners pass from close range following a swift break forward, for the opening goal.

Sundowns fought back with efforts from Neo Maema and Peter Shalulile as Grobler saw his expertly dispatched header plucked from ending up in the back of the net.

Chances flowed for both sides as the half drew to a close, but Grobler was always a threat and he made no mistake with an even better header, from a Rayners cross, that left Williams with no chance.

The start of the second half, by contrast, was a tame affair, with usual suspects Maema and Shalulile the most lively in attack but without really finding a way through their opponents' defence.

Teboho Mokoena was just wide with a header from a good Lyle Lakay delivery while Bradley Ralani saw his 63rd minute effort blocked as Sundowns looked for a direct way through.

Morena, Shalulile and even Brian Onyango with a powerful header all got close to the mark, alongside Siyabonga Nhlapo at the other end of the park as the half drew to a close.

But it was new-boy Nasir who finally found a goal for Downs, albeit too late in the day, with a header from a Shalulile headed pass, for a narrow but painful second loss in just six matches.  

Sundowns' foreign effect comes to good use to win late against SuperSport

Mamelodi Sundowns secured their place in the semi-finals of the MTN8 with a 2-0 victory at home to SuperSport United on Sunday.

New signings Marcelo Allende (Chile) and Abubeker Nasir (Ethiopia) came off the bench in the second half to claim a goal apiece.

It took 80 minutes for Sundowns to break the deadlock, with Allende stealing on both Nasir slotted home from close range in the 90th minute.

Sundowns had started on the front foot with Peter Shalulile forcing a good early save from SuperSport stopper George Chigova Neo Maema came close soon after with a shot from the left of the box after being set up by Lyle Lakay, while Teboho Mokoena thought he had scored when being laid in by Shalulile but Chigova was equal to the effort.

Sundowns remained the dominant side for the majority of the first half, with Themba Zwane and Khuliso Mudau creating half chances as Gamphani Lungu tried his luck from the range at the other end in a rare foray forward for Matsatsantsa.

SuperSport were eager to impose themselves on the tie, and Thulani Hlatshwayo managed a header on target on 33 minutes from a good Iqraam Rayners cross, only to see his effort denied.

Buoyed by their efforts, the away team continued to press forward and arguably ended the half the stronger of the two sides. But two very determined teams emerged after the break, and Shalulile was wide before Mokoena saw his goal-bound effort deflect off target.

Luke Fleurs was then close with a header that was well blocked on route to goal.

But Sundowns were able to introduce the talents of Chilean attacker Marcelo Allende.

After a sighter on 75 minutes where he pulled his shot wide, the new signing put his side into the lead just five minutes later with a close-range finish from a Shalulile pass.

And it was another new signing and substitute, Abubeker Nasir, to secure the win as he slotted the ball home on 90 minutes for a 2-0 win and a place in the semi-finals of the competition they won last season.

- TEAMtalk media

Khune penalty shootout heroics send Chiefs to MTN8 semis as fans storm field in celebrations

Veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune made two crucial penalty shootout saves to steer Kaizer Chiefs to victory against Stellenbosch, securing their passage to the MTN8 semi-final at a sold-out Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday.

Goals from Sihle Nduli and Ashley du Preez ensured the match ended 1-1 in regular time, and neither side could find the back of the net in extra time to send the game to a shootout in front of a hostile crowd.

Before kick-off, the match was delayed by thirty minutes because of traffic congestion, while fans also forced their way into the stadium, including breaking down fencing to get into the main grandstand.

Once the dust settled and the whistle sounded for the first half, the game was intense as Stellies saw much of the ball, applying the necessary pressure on the visiting side.

Chiefs maintained and soaked in all the pressure, playing on the counterattack but failed to make anything worthwhile in their favour count.

Stellies would be rewarded for their hard-running football immediately after the half-time break, as Njabulo Ncgobo was sleeping in defence as an error resulted in the ball falling to Jayden Adams, who made use of the space and set up Ndluli to erupt the crowd into jubilation.

But 10 minutes later, the roaring volume increased as a returning Du Preez equalized for Chiefs from close range, so much so that fans broke down fencing and flooded the field in celebration.

After a five-minute break, play resumed. The highlight thereafter was when referee Jelly Chavani awarded Stellies a penalty nearly 10 seconds after their appeal, which annoyed the Chiefs bench and their on-field players.

At least two minutes must have passed by when the referee overturned his original decision, to which Stellies’ bench and players reacted in frustration. On television replay, Chavani made the right call in not awarding the penalty.

That drama would bring a close to the action in regular time before the match went to extra time, with both sides looking to play for a penalty shootout.

Khune would make his swift return to the lineup and become the hero of the day for the club, making two crucial saves to earn Chiefs a 4-3 penalty shootout win as fans swarmed the Danie Craven pitch in jubilation. 

- Tashreeq Vardien

Khune saves again as Kaizer Chiefs win the penalty shootout 4-3!

Khune sends Kaizer Chiefs fan in delirium as he saves from Van Rooyen. 

Chiefs convert their penalty and they lead the shootout 4-3. 

After the second set of penalties, it's 2-2. 

Nothing to separate these sides all afternoon, but it's got to end somewhere. 

After the first set of penalties, it's all square at 1-1. 

That's the end of extra time.

It remains 1-1 and we will now go to penalties. 

Extra time: 29' - Lot of players struggling with cramp now.

Extra time: 18' - Both teams are looking very tired now.

This probably is going to go to penalties. 

That's the end of the first half of extra time.

It remains 1-1. 

Will this go to penalties?

Extra time: 10' - Stellenbosch keeper Langeveldt does brilliantly to save from Cole Alexander!

He got down low to his right to make that save. 

EXTRA TIME!

It's 1-1 after 90 minutes, so we will have an extra 30 mins. 

The referee has changed his mind!

He had reversed his decision. 

Not sure how he came to that decision, because there obviously isn't VAR.

At the end of the day, it's the right decision because the ball simply didn't hit Dolly's hand. 

Drama!

Penalty awarded to Stellenbosch for handball.

The referee took a long time to give that decision. 

The decision must have come from the linesman.

And that's not a handball, it has hit Keagan Dolly in the midriff. 

95' Chiefs now having a right old go at the Stellenbosch goal but the home side managed to hold out. 

83' - Now Adams shoots wide for Stellenbosch.

They are asking all the questions.

80' - Nduli flicks wide at the near post from a Stellenbosch corner.

That was an excellent chance for Stellenbosch to go 2-0 up. 

76' - We it the final 15 minutes although there will be a longish injury time because of the pitch invasion.

Is one of these teams going to find a winner?

We have a stoppage as some fans have invaded the pitch.

Along with the delay earlier, the fans haven't been the best behaved here today.

GOAL!

Chiefs have their equalizer and its from a mistake by the Stellenbosch defence as a backpass is intercepted by Du Preez who scores against his old club.

Stellenbosch 1-1 Chiefs

53' Stellenbosch looking for a second goal here as they force Chiefs back. 

They won't sit back on just a one goal lead. 

GOAL!

Nduli scores as Stellenbosch have the lead!

The Kaizer Chiefs defence is caught napping as Adams wins the ball on the half-way line and races away and squares to Nduli who slots home past Khune. 

Stellenbosch 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs

The second half is underway in Stellenbosch.

Will we see a goal this half?

HALF-TIME

It's 0-0 at the break between Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs.

Stellenbosch probably had the better chances of the half and hit the upright.

Let's see what the second half brings. 

40' Stellenbosch win a corner.

It's not well executed, however, and the Chiefs defence clears easily. 

29' - An excellent counterattack from Chiefs sees Du Preez with volley over the bar!

It's still 0-0 but both sides have now had some decent chances. 

27' - So close to the opening goal for Stellenbosch as Nduli's powerful header clatters back off the upright.

25' Andries tries a long range effort to catch out Khune in the Chiefs goal who casually chests the ball down and control the ball with his right foot!

The crowd loved that!