Ten-man Sundowns held by Chiefs to make it advantage Pirates in the Betway Premiership title race
Sundowns let points slip away on their own turf, yet they maintain a three-point advantage at the summit of the standings, although control of their fate now rests with others.
Chiefs greatly assisted their fierce Soweto opponents Pirates while also advancing their own bid for a third-place finish and qualification for CAF club competitions in the coming season.
Below are the key highlights from the match.
Silva lining
Chiefs edged ahead somewhat unexpectedly midway through the first half on 25 minutes, with Flavio da Silva extending his impressive run by netting his third strike in six outings and tenth overall this campaign across all tournaments.
Ronwen Williams distribution was intercepted in the centre circle by Pule Mmodi, allowing Mdu Shabalala to set up Silva for a composed effort from 12 yards. The goalkeeper managed to touch it, but the ball still crossed into the net.
This marked Amakhosis initial meaningful foray forward that paid off with a score.
It represented the first occasion Sundowns had fallen behind during a home league fixture under manager Miguel Cardoso in the Betway Premiership.
Feisty challenges
The opening period saw notable injuries on both benches.
Chiefs player Siphesihle Ndlovu lunged dangerously at Sundowns back Keanu Cupido, who appeared to suffer a broken collarbone as a result.
The tackle was dreadful, and receiving just a caution seems puzzling. It might easily have warranted dismissal. Ndlovu could have been reacting to a prior heavy foul from Jayden Adams.
Later, Ndlovu escaped further sanction when his elbow struck Khuliso Mudau in the face.
Adams luckily avoided an immediate sending off for a reckless lash at Shabalala, which required the latter to leave on a stretcher. The booking again seemed lenient for an action that was delayed, uncontrolled, and appeared intentional.
Ultimately, Adams earned a second caution for diving later on, leaving Sundowns to finish with 10 players for the closing quarter hour.
Curiously, Ndlovu faces a suspension for the upcoming fixture regardless, owing to his tally of bookings this term.
Lively Leon
Sundowns equalised shortly after the restart, just eight minutes in, courtesy of a recognisable scorer.
Mudau delivered an excellent cross from the flank, and Brayan Leon applied a precise touch that highlighted his superior skill.
This marked his 11th goal from 22 outings for Sundowns since his January arrival, and fourth across his previous seven matches.
He proves a reliable marksman, arguably the most effective in the division based on current displays, exhibiting a poise near the posts that sets him apart.
Earlier, he had been thwarted in a one versus one by Chiefs stopper Brandon Petersen, although footage indicated he was marginally offside, making it a fair outcome.
Where does this leave us?
In essence, the edge goes to Pirates. Sundowns hold a three-point buffer ahead of the Buccaneers but have completed an additional fixture.
However, Pirates superior +41 goal differential outshines Sundowns +34, effectively equating to another point.
Should Pirates secure victories in their remaining trio of encounters versus struggling sides Magesi FC, Orbit College, and Durban City, they would claim the crown for the first time in over a decade since 2012.
Sundowns wrap up their domestic schedule soon, hosting Siwelele this weekend before travelling to TS Galaxy midweek, after which their commitments end.
Chiefs enjoy a five-point cushion over AmaZulu in the third spot contest, which secures CAF Confederation Cup entry for next year.
Ahead lie trips to fourth and fifth placed Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu, plus a home clash with bottom dwelling Chippa United.