The Kaizer Chiefs lost 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, September 28, after blowing an early lead.
It was Nasreddine Nabi’s first loss as head coach. Ranga Chivaviro broke the scoreless draw in the ninth minute, giving Amakhosi the lead.
However, Bafana ba Style responded through Lucas Ribeiro on the thirty-first minute, and Iqraam Rayners completed the exciting comeback victory six minutes later.
After Sekhukhune United (up to second place) defeated Golden Arrows 2-0, Manqoba Mngqithi’s team made it three victories out of three in the new Betway Premiership season to stay atop.
The Soweto giants dropped to fourth place.
Both sides entered the match with perfect records: Chiefs had defeated AmaZulu (3-1) and Marumo Gallants (2-1), while Sundowns had defeated Bahlabane Ba Ntwa (4-1) to earn the local bragging rights against SuperSport United (2-0), a rival team in Tshwane.
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After just five minutes, Thapelo Morena’s cross found Tashreeq Matthews, but Matthews’ header missed the mark, giving the visitors their first opportunity.
Just four minutes later, though, Chivaviro’s goal gave the home crowd great joy.
Grasping Reeve Frosler’s through-pass, he used his muscle to fend off Musa Lebusa and then stabbed the ball past Ronwen Williams from ten yards out.
After being set up by Matthews, the Brazilians attempted to reply, with Rayners putting a first-time effort beyond of the post on minute sixteen.
They then struck back soon after the half-hour mark through Ribeiro, whose rocket provided Fiacre Ntwari an opportunity in the home goal.
Masandawana created another threat on the 36th minute when Matthews headed a corner past Ntwari.
Moments later, their pressure paid off as Ribeiro was freed down the right flank, setting up Rayners for his third straight game-winning goal.
After the half, with the Glamour Boys behind, they pushed for a second goal.
Edson Castillo, with a header from close range, forced a great reaction save from Williams on minute sixty-three.
In the eighteenth minute, Bafana Bafana’s number one again made a fantastic save to deny us.
When the assistant referee’s flag saved the reigning champions from a late scare in which the Chiefs believed they had equalised dramatically in stoppage time, the team managed to cling on for all three points.