A late goalkeeping error from Brandon Petersen helped Mamelodi Sundowns secure a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at a sold out Lucas Moripe Stadium.
DStv Premiership
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs
Date: 09 August 2023
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Sundowns made two changes from their win over Sekhukhune United, one enforced, as Mothobi Mvala came in for the suspended Rivaldo Coetzee while Thapelo Maseko got his first start in place of Aubrey Modiba. Chiefs, meanwhile, made three changes from their draw against Chippa United, as new signing Pule Mmodi, Ashley Du Preez and Siyethemba Sithebe were brought into the side.
The Brazilians were on the front foot in the early stages, as the visitors sat deep but they were limited to a couple of shots from range that did not trouble goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
Rulani Mokwena's charges eventually went ahead on 21 minutes after Edson Castillo gave away possession trying to play from the back and Peter Shalulile teed up Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who made no mistake from close range.
Sundowns slowed down the tempo of the game after getting the lead as Amakhosi struggled to get momentum going forward, with Ranga Chivaviro and Ashley Du Preez cutting frustrated figures.
Sundowns had a quick start in the second stanza as within four minutes Shalulile miskicked a tap-in after a cross by Costa.
Chiefs came to life towards the hour-mark as Rivaviro had their first threatening attempt with a diving header that was deflected just wide by Mvala.
Molefi Ntseki's charges opened the game up as they pushed numbers forward after that but they were nearly punished on a counter-attack as Petersen kept them in the game after he denied Shalulile in a one-on-one and Maseko missed the gaping goals from the rebound.
Sundowns continued to be a threat on transitions and with 18 minutes to go, Petersen pulled off a double save to keep out strikes from Maseko and Marcelo Allende in quick succession.
Chiefs threw in Tebogo Potsane in the closing stages while Sundowns brought on Sipho Mbule but it was the visitors who had momentum, as Du Preez levelled matters for Amakhosi with a side-footed shot after ball over the top by Potsane.
However, Sundowns snatched all the three points in the dying minutes after Petersen spilled Neo Maema's tame shot into the back of the net.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 25. Mudau, 13. Boutouil, 5. Lebusa, 34. Mvala, 4. Mokoena, 4. Maseko, 11. Allende, 18. Zwane, 23. Ribeiro, 38. Shalulile
Subs: 14. D.Onyango, 4. Kekana, 6. B.Onyango, 17. Modiba, 8. Zungu, 24. Mbule, 35. Maema, Nku, Aubaas
Kaizer Chiefs: 1. Petersen, 23. Hlanti, 24. Dithlokwe, 25. Msimango, 39. Frosler, 8. Maart, 17. Castillo, 6. Sithebe, 13. Mmodi, 9. Du Preez, 7. Chivaviro
Subs: 44. Bvuma, 27. Njabulo Ngcobo, 24. Kwinika, 42. Shabalala, 37. Zwane, 3. Mdantsane, 33. Radebe, 21. Salie, 11. Potsane
