Malawian defender Patrick Mabedi made his return to the Kaizer Chiefs starting lineup against rivals Orlando Pirates in a league match at FNB Stadium on Saturday but his comeback was soured as he conceded a late penalty that gave the hosts a point.

When the ball was played through, Vilakazi appeared to have been offside but the referee reluctantly pointed to the spot.

Stand-in coaches Doctor Khumalo and Ace Khuse started with Mabedi in place of former Moroka Swallows defender Peter Matshitse and the Malawian was outstanding throughout and never showed any signs of fatigue after a long lay off due to injury.

The Amakhosi coaches also preferred Youth Academy graduate Buti Sithole at the back ahead of David Kannemeyer.

While the youngster looked unsettled in the opening minutes, he nevertheless acclimatised well as the game progressed and his speed and timely tackles came in handy to keep the Pirates attack at bay. Sithole was later replaced by midfielder Patrick Mbuthu 10 minutes from time.

The Glamour Boys employed a 4-5-1 formation - a strategy that proved less effective according to a number of shots on target in the first half. While Pirates threatened as early as the 14th minute through fine free-kick by Mbulelo Mabizela, which was excellently saved by Brian Baloyi, Amakhosi only hit target on 29 minutes. Tenashe Nengomashe played a great ball through but the Pirates keeper saved Thabo Mooki’s first time half volley.

However, Amakhosi had a chance to test the Pirates defence on 26 minutes but Musasa - with a golden opportunity - miskicked and his shot went wide.

The introduction of striker David Radebe at the start of the second half provided Chiefs with more attacking options and it came as no surprise when Amakhosi took the lead on 56 minutes thanks to a great header by Musasa following a fine cross from the left by Jabu Pule, who was booked on 39 minutes for a fowl on Abednigo Netshodwe.

Amakhosi’s dream of recording their third victory against Pirates in 13 league encounters was thwarted three minutes before time when Lesley Manyathela converted from the penalty spot after Benedict Vilakazi was brought down in the box by Mabedi in a frantic bid to halt the marauding Pirates arsenal.

Chiefs will now put behind the outcome of this game and start preparing for another crucially important league match against Sundowns next Wednesday at Loftus. The match will be live on SuperSport 3 at 19:30.

After Sundowns, Chiefs will have an opportunity to settle a score with Jomo Cosmos who narrowly beat them 1-0 to lift the Coca-Cola Cup. The two will face off in a league match - probably their last before the Christmas short break - at Olympia Park in Rustenburg on December 14.

Team: 4-5-1 - Brian Balayi, Cyril Nzama, Patrick Mabedi, Fabian McCarthy, Buti Sithole (Patrick Mbuthu 80), Thabo Mooki, Stanton Fredericks (Arthur Zwane 51), Jabu Pule, Tenashe Nengomashe, Jossias Macamo (David Radebe 46), Kabamba Musasa.

Coaches: Doctor Khumalo and Ace Khuse

Referee: Jerome Damon