Kaizer Chiefs’ winning start in the Betway Premiership came to an end after a goalless draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday evening.
The host named Gaston Sirino and Bradley Cross on the bench as Paseka Mako and Zitha Kwinika came in to the defence, while Masandawana restored Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena and Malibongwe Khoza to the starting line-up.
Following the delayed start, Masandawana looked to go ahead on eight minutes with a first-time effort from close-range by Tashreeq Matthews but he scooped the effort over the crossbar.
Chiefs launched a quick reply Mako's neat cross found the head of Wandile Duba, who sent his header straight at goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Having had a fine start to the season, the Glamour Boys fought gallantly, played as a unit and denied the visitors space and time on the ball.
The clash was played at an extremely high tempo as the host threatened when a long-range shot from Glodly Lilepo brought a stern save off Williams, while Brandon Petersen was called upon to keep out an equally fierce shot from range by Teboho Mokoena minutes later.
The title holders targeted a strong opening to the second half as a curling effort from Arthur Sales flew across goal.
Chiefs continued to hold their own and adapted to the pressing traps the Brazilians looked to unleash throughout the clash.
The Amakhosi refreshed their stall midway inside the second stanza, introducing Sirino for Mduduzi Shabalala while Siphesihle Ndlovu replaced Thabo Cele in the middle of the park.
Sundowns also decided to freshen up their personnel and summoned on Lebo Mothiba, Bathusi Aubaas, Zuko Mdunyelwa and Siyabonga Mabena, while Peter Shalulile was left on the bench.
Despite the changes in the latter stages, the intensity remained high with chances either end but there was no winner on the night, as the two sides leave FNB Stadium with a point each.
Photo by Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
Confirmed line-ups:
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Mako, Kwinika, Miguel, Monyane, Cele, Mthethwa, Mmodi, Shabalala, Duba, Lilepo
Subs: Ntwari, Frosler, Cross, Ndlovu, Ngcobo, Sirino, Du Preez, Vilakazi, Da Silva
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Cupido, Khoza, Basadien, Morena, Allende, Mokoena, Adams, Sales, Matthews, Rayners
Subs: Onyango, Mdunyelwa, Lebusa, Modiba, Aubaas, Mabena, Lethlaku, Shalulile, Mothiba
