Kaizer Chiefs’ impressive start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign was given another boost, although the Amakhosi had to settle for a point after being held to a 1-1 draw by Mamelodi Sundowns at a packed FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The result means Chiefs remain unbeaten after their opening three league matches and move onto seven points, having previously beaten Kruger United and Sekhukhune United. Sundowns, meanwhile, collected their second point from their opening two league fixtures after beginning their campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over TS Galaxy.
The heavyweight encounter lived up to its billing, although neither side was able to establish a clear advantage during a cagey first half.
Both teams started with plenty of energy, but the quality in the final third was lacking as they cancelled each other out. Chiefs looked particularly dangerous when they attempted to attack at pace, while Sundowns tried to use their possession-based approach to create openings.
Chances, however, were difficult to come by.
The best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes fell to Chiefs, with new signing Langelihle Phili testing Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams shortly before the break. Williams was equal to the effort, ensuring that the two teams went into halftime level at 0-0. It was, remarkably, the only shot on target in the first half.
Chiefs returned from the break with greater attacking intent and eventually got the reward their pressure deserved.
Phili breaks the deadlock
The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute.
Siphesihle Ndlovu made an intelligent run into an attacking position before setting up Phili. The former Stellenbosch attacker showed composure to guide his effort beyond Williams and into the back of the net, sending the home crowd into celebration.
The goal appeared to put Chiefs on course for a third successive league victory and a perfect start to their home campaign.
Sundowns, however, refused to surrender.
The Brazilians increased the pressure as they searched for an equaliser, and their persistence paid off in the 75th minute.
Cassius Mailula rose to head the ball beyond Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and restore parity. Petersen had come off his line looking to clear the danger but mistimed his attempt, allowing Mailula to take advantage and make it 1-1.
With the scores level, both sides pushed for a late winner, but neither could find the decisive finish.
Chiefs were left to rue the missed opportunity to collect maximum points after taking the lead, while Sundowns will be encouraged by the way they fought back after falling behind.
The draw also extended Chiefs’ difficult recent league record against Sundowns. The Soweto giants had gone without a league victory over the Brazilians for more than five years before Saturday’s encounter.
What the result means
Chiefs move to seven points from three matches, following two victories and Saturday’s draw. They remain firmly among the early pace-setters and have made a strong statement under coach Fernando Da Cruz after finishing last season in third place.
Sundowns, meanwhile, have four points from two matches. The reigning African champions opened with a win over TS Galaxy before being forced to share the spoils with Chiefs. With a game in hand on several of the early leaders, the Brazilians remain firmly in contention despite dropping two points at FNB Stadium.
The point will therefore feel more valuable to Sundowns than it initially appeared, particularly after they had to come from behind against a Chiefs side that had won its opening two league matches.
For Chiefs, the unbeaten start is another positive sign, although they will know that converting leads into victories will be crucial if they are to mount a serious challenge for the league title.
AmaZulu brush aside Siwelele
Elsewhere, AmaZulu produced a convincing 2-0 victory over Siwelele to collect maximum points in their Betway Premiership encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The Durban side took control shortly before halftime when Athini Maqokola opened the scoring in the 45th minute.
Maqokola finished a fast break after being played through by Hendrick Ekstein, firing a right-footed effort into the bottom-left corner to give AmaZulu a 1-0 advantage at the interval.
Siwelele attempted to fight their way back into the contest after the restart and created opportunities, but AmaZulu remained dangerous on the counter.
The home side eventually doubled its advantage in the 73rd minute, with Maqokola completing his brace.
The midfielder found the back of the net from inside the box after being set up by Tebogo Mashigo, putting AmaZulu firmly in control at 2-0.
Siwelele pushed for a way back into the match, but AmaZulu’s defence held firm and goalkeeper Darren Johnson made important saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The visitors came close through Samir Nurkovic late on, but Johnson denied him with a save in the 87th minute. Siwelele also saw efforts from outside the box go wide or get blocked as AmaZulu comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.
The victory gives AmaZulu an important three points early in the campaign, while Siwelele are left searching for consistency after suffering another defeat.
With the early league table still taking shape, the Durban side’s victory puts them in a strong position alongside the leading teams, while Siwelele will need to improve their attacking efficiency if they are to avoid being dragged towards the wrong end of the standings.
