Kaizer Chiefs' top eight hopes continue to fade after playing to a 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United in their penultimate Betway Premiership clash on Saturday.
Betway Premiership
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Sekhukhune United
Date: 17 May 2025
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium
Aden McCarthy, the son of former defender Fabian, made his full debut for Chiefs by coming in for Inacio Miguel while Nkosingiphile Ngcobo replaced Thabo Cele in the midfield.
The home side, who were without Chibuike Ohizu, took an early lead when Ngoanamello Rammala carved out some space in the box and fired home at Brandon Petersen's near post.
Chiefs had a big chance to pull themselves before the 20-minute mark, but captain Yusuf Maart was unable to replicate last week's heroics as he blazed over 12 yards out after some good work by Dillan Solomons.
Nasreddine Nabi's charges dominated for the remainder of the first half, but were let down by their decision-making, with Gaston Sirino and Makabi Lilepo passing up good opportunities in the final third.
Chiefs got their reward on the stroke of halftime as Lilepo found the back of the net with his third goal in four matches.
Both sides came out for the second half looking to get the go-ahead goal, as Renaldo Learner did well to keep out Pule Mmodi's fierce strike while Petersen denied Keletso Makgalwa at the other end in the opening 15 minutes.
With Stellenbosch breathing down their necks, Sekhukhune should have restored their lead in when Vusumzi Mncube broke through on goal, but the midfielder fired horribly wide with only Petersen to beat in the box.
Nabi responded with a double change for the final 20 minutes as Ashley du Preez and Sibongiseni Mthethwa were introduced in place of Duba and Ngcobo as the visitors looked for the second goal.
Chiefs, however, were forced to finish the game with ten minute as Pule Mmodi was shown a straight red card for elbowing Mogaila on the touchline, as the encounter ended all square.
Here's how they lined up:
Sekhukhune United: 16. Leaner, 12. Mogaila, 4. Cardoso, 29. Yamba, 25. Letlapa, 15. Mkhize, 18. Monare, 10. Mncube, 7. Makgwala, 38. Sihlali, 33. Rammala.
Subs: 30. Sangare, 14. Langa, 23. Mntambo, 31. Mokoena, 17. Kapinga, 45. Tlaka, 26. Mohamme, 2. Ngakosso, 3. Shezi
Kaizer Chiefs: 1. Petersen, 4. Kwinika, 2. Dove, 35. McCarthy, 18. Solomons, 8. Maart, 12. Sirino, 12. Ngcobo, 13. Mmodi, 99. Lilepo, 36. Duba.
Subs: 44. Bvuma, 19. Mashiane, 6. Blom, 17. Castillo, 22. Matlou, 42. Shabalala, 5. Mthethwa, 9. Du Preez, 40. Morris
