Mamelodi Sundowns got a vital away goal in the dying stages of the second half as they drew 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final.
MTN8 Semi-Final
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 02 September 2023
Venue: FNB Stadium
Chiefs made only change from their win over Stellenbosch, as Sifiso Hlanti was recalled at the expense of Reeve Frosler while new striker signing Jasond Gonzales was named on the bench. The Brazilians, meanwhile, were boosted by the return of Khuliso Mudau and Abdelmounaim Boutouil.
Amakhosi pressed Sundowns high up the pitch in the early exchanges and did not give them time and space on the ball, especially when they entered their half.
In a tactical game, the visitors created the first clear chance on 20 minutes after Themba Zwane blazed a volley in the box over the crossbar after a cushioned back header by Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
Rulani Mokwena's charges were more dominant on the ball towards the half-hour mark, with Amakhosi playing with numbers behind the ball.
Sundowns had an injury blow ten minutes before the break after Zwane was stretchered off the field with a bleeding eye after he was caught by the trailing boot of Yusuf Maart and he was replaced by Lesiba Nku.
The Brazilians were still sharp after a long stoppage, as Costa nearly broke the deadlock with a powerful shot that produced a reflex save from goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
Stand A Chance To Win The 1 of 4 Sundowns Home Shirt
Chiefs handed Gonzalez his debut at half-time in place of Mduduzi Mdantsane in a tactical change and they had a point of reference going forward.
However, the Brazilians created the first chance of the second stanza five minutes in after Nku guided a side-footed shot narrowly wide of the bottom corner from a cut-back by Aubrey Modiba.
The Glamour Boys eventually broke the deadlock on the hour-mark after Castillo powered home a diving header on the far side past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after a cross by Ashley Du Preez.
Castillo nearly turned into a villain six minutes later after he gave away possession trying to play from the back and Ribeiro went through on goal and unleashed a strike that was repelled by Petersen.
With 15 minutes to go, Mokwena made a tactical and attacking change as he brought on 16-year old Siyabonga Mabena in place of Boutouil while moments later Molefi Ntseki also made a tactical but defensive change, as Frosler replaced Potsane.
The Brazilians pinned back Chiefs in their own half and their pressure finally paid off in stoppage time after Mudau snatched the equaliser with a free header in the box from a cross by Junior Mendieta.
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: 1. Petersen, 24. Kwinika, 23. Hlanti, 24. Dithlokwe, 25. Msimango, 8. Maart, 17. Castillo, 3. Mdantsane, 11. Potsa, 13. Mmodi, 9. Du Preez.
Subs: 32. Khune, 27. Njabulo Ngcobo, 39. Frosler, 42. Shabalala, 18. Solomons, 33. Radebe, 21. Saile, 22. Matlou, 14. Gonzalez
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 25. Mudau, 13. Boutouil, 34. Mvala, 40. Coetzee, 17. Modiba, 4. Mokoena, 11. Allende, 18. Zwane, 35. Maema, 23. Ribeiro
Subs: 14. D.Onyango, 5. Lebusa, 20. Kekana, 14. Mashego, 19. Aubaas, 21. Mkhulise, 44. Mabena, 15. Mendieta, 7. Nku
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