Kaizer Chiefs and Mpumalanga Black Aces played to an entertaining 2-2 draw in an Absa Premiership match at Nelspruit’s Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening. Amakhosi were the better side, getting 2-1 up. However, the home side, somewhat fortunately, netted the equaliser in extra time.

Coach Steve Komphela made a few changes compared to Amakhosi’s last league encounter at home against Jomo Cosmos. Reyaad Pieterse came in for Itumeleng Khune, who had a slight muscle strain, while George Lebese and Daniel Cardoso also started. It was Cardoso’s second start this season.

Chiefs stated well, dominating early possession, even though it didn’t result in any real chances.

Still, it was Amakhosi that took the lead in the 20th minute. Siphiwe Tshabalala passed the ball from more or less the middle of the field high into the Aces box. Bernard Parker jumped high up, confusing the Aces goalkeeper and defender, as the ball, without touching anybody, ended up hitting the back of the net, 1-0.

From there on, the highly entertaining encounter went up and down with both sides getting opportunities to score.

Parker nearly extended the lead in the 36th minute, when his shot from inside the box hit the crossbar.

Parker was working hard, playing as the striker in the absence of Camaldine Abraw, who sat on the bench.

George Lebese also had a chance, but the Aces goalkeeper made a fine save.

The second half started more or less as the first half finished, with both teams in attacking mood.

However, this time it was Bhongelethu Jayiya who scored the equaliser in the 53rd minute.

But Chiefs didn’t give up, moving forward whenever having the opportunity. Midfielder Willard Katsande won the ball in midfield, moved towards the box and shot the ball from long range at goal. It was a rocket that deflected past the Aces goalkeeper into the back of the net, 2-1.

Amakosi continued to be the better side, even though the home side never gave up, trying to attack whenever having a chance to do so.

Lucky Baloyi worked his socks off in midfield, moving forward as well, even getting into goal scoring positions. However, it wasn’t his day to finish.

To make matter worse, Aces scored against the run of play. Eddie Ngalo scored the 2-2 in the 93rd minute.

Siphiwe Tshabalala was selected as the Man of the Match for a fine performance.

Chiefs are still in fourth position, having collected 40 points from 24 matches.

Amakhosi next host Ajax Cape Town in an Absa Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 16 April (kick-off is at 20:15).

Mpumalanga Black Aces (0) 2 (Jayiya 53’, Ngalo 93’)

Kaizer (1) 2 (Tshabalala 20’, Katsande 61’)

Mpumalanga Black Aces: Mabokgwane; Kobola, Ngalo, Mzava; Nodada (Kuboni 59’), Jayiya, Matsi, Ngoma (Moon 70’), Modiba; Mbesuma, Masina (Moseamedi 46’)

Kaizer Chiefs: Pieterse; Moleko, Mathoho, Cardoso, Masilela; Twala, Katsande, Baloyi, Lebese (Ekstein 76’); Tshabalala, Parker (Manqele 93’)