By Michael Madyira
A Khuliso Mudau stoppage-time goal denied Kaizer Chiefs victory following a 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-finals, first-leg match at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Edson Castillo had thrust Amakhosi ahead in the 61st minute but Mudau spoiled the afternoon for the Soweto giants.
Now enjoying an away goal, the Brazilians will hope the second leg will be favourable for them as they just need a one-goal margin victory to reach the final.
But Chiefs will be pushing to show character in the away leg on 23 September in Tshwane.
Amakhosi coach Molefi Ntseki surprisingly started right-back Reeve Frosler from the bench while his opposite number Rhulani Mokwena relegated Lesiba Nku and Junior Mendieta to the bench.
Sundowns were the first to make an attempt at goal when Neo Maema’s curler hit the upright post 14 minutes into the match.
Moments later, the hosts were to survive again when Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s lob was excellently saved by goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
Ribeiro returned and had his shot was saved by Petersen again with Castillo clearing the repelled shot.
It was an afternoon new signing Jasond Gonzalez came on as a second-half substitute but he struggled to make an impact.
Masandawana almost went ahead just after the break but Nku shot narrowly wide after being fed by Aubrey Modiba.
Castillo then broke the deadlock with a diving header off an Ashley du Preez cross for goal number three in all competitions this season.
He joins Pule Mmodi as the Amaklhosi top goal-scorer this term.
The battle between Petersen and Ribeiro continued with the Amakhosi custodian denying the Brazilians attacker on 66 minutes.
Sundowns were pressing for an equaliser and Marcelo Allende forced Petersen to collect the ball almost on the goal line.
As Chiefs looked to walk away with a slim victory, the Brazilians were rewarded when Mudau headed in a Mendieta cross.
Pictured above: Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns against Kaizer Chefs defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe
Image source: PSL
