Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns extended their unbeaten runs in the Betway Premiership following a goalless draw at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.
Betway Premiership
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Date: 27 August 2025
Venue: FNB Stadium
Zitha Kwinika made his first start of the season in place of the injured Aden McCarthy, while the returning Nasreddine Nabi recalled Paseko Mako and Pule Mmodi in place of Bradley Cross and Gaston Sirino following the win over Polokwane City last week.
For Sundowns, there was a recall for Fawaaz Basadien, who missed out against Orlando Pirates, while Malibongwe Khoza was thrown back in the line-up after returning from national duty at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The clash got off to a lively start, as Sundowns nearly gave Chiefs a scare in the opening 10 minutes after Tashreeq Matthews pounced on a loose ball in the box before firing over the crossbar while Wandile Duba saw his header saved by Ronwen Williams at the other end.
Miguel Cardoso's charges dominated possession as the first half went on, with Arthur Sales seeing a lot of the ball and looking to be the team's main creator in the absence of Lucas Costa Ribeiro.
Chiefs nearly bagged the opening goal against the run of play ten minutes before the halftime break when Glody Lilepo was given time and space to unleash a strike from distance that forced Williams into an impressive finger-tip save.
Cardoso responded with a first change for the away side ten minutes into the second half by taking off Basadien, who was on a yellow card, and introducing Aubrey Modiba, while Chiefs withdrew Duba for Ashley Du Preez to freshen up their attack.
With time running out, Nabi made a double change for the final 25 minutes as former Sundowns midfielder Gaston Sirino was introduced in place of Mduduzi Shabalala while Thabo Cele made way for Siphesihle Ndlovu.
Chiefs became the livelier of the two sides going forward in the latter stages of the second half, with Sirino causing a bit of concern in the final third while Lilepo remained a threat on the right flank.
However, Both sides were unable to find another clear-cut opening in the final third and were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
Chiefs find themselves sitting in second spot on the league standings, while Sundowns are two points adrift in third place.
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: 1. Petersen, 29. Mako, 4. Kwinika, 84. Miguel, 2. Monyane, 21. Cele, 5. Mthethwa, 13. Mmodi, 7. Shabalala, 47. Duba, 99. Lilepo
Subs: 71. Ntwari, 39. Frosler, 45. Cross, 8. Ndlovu, 12. Ngcobo, 10. Sirino, 9. Du Preez, 28. Vilakazi, 77. Da Silva
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 24. Cupido, 13. Khoza, 23. Basadien, 27. Morena, 11. Allende, 4. Mokoena, 8. Adams, 9. Sales, 17. Matthews, 13. Rayners
Subs: 1. Onyango, 28. Mdunyelwa, 5. Lebusa, 6. Modiba, 19. Aubaas, 41. Mabena, 43. Lethlaku, 38. Shalulile, 35. Mothiba
