Kaizer Chiefs lost 3-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership match at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday evening. Amakhosi’s goal was scored by Lorenzo Gordinho in the first half.

Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane returned to Chiefs’ starting line-up for the first time since February. The creative midfielder had been out due to injury for a while, making his comeback when coming on against the University of Pretoria on Wednesday evening.

The first half was even handed with both sides putting pressure on the opponent whenever they had possession of the ball.

It meant that the first half was maybe not a nice affair on the eye, but it was enthralling to watch, as it was a tight affair.

There were not many chances for both sides during the first 45 minutes of play.

Chiefs defended well, full of venom. Willard Katsande again fought hard in midfield, while Erick Mathoho and Lorenzo Gordinho were in control in central defence.

Sundowns tried to attack, but they struggled to create real goal scoring opportunities.

It was Gordinho who scored the opener in the 35th minute with a diving header from a fine cross from the right flank by George Maluleka.

It was Gordinho’s third league goal this season.

Just on the stroke of halftime, slightly against the run of play, Sundowns scored the equaliser when Leonardo Castro headed the ball behind goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

It was quite a set-back for the Glamour Boys.

The second half was more or less like the first episode, being a tight affair.

The battle for control of the midfield was tight.

Sundowns got a penalty when referee Robert Smith decided that Mathoho had handled the ball with his hand inside the box. Thabo Nthethe easily finished for the Brazilians from the spot, leaving Khune no chance.

Amakhosi tried to come back, but matters weren’t made easier when Gordinho received his second yellow card for handling the ball. It was probably a bit unfortunate.

Soon thereafter, Katsande, somewhat unluckily, put the ball past his own goalkeeper, 3-1 for the Brazilians.

In the end, it wasn’t to be for the Amakhosi.

Chiefs are still in third position, having collected 44 points from 27 matches.

Amakhosi next host Bloemfontein Celtic in an Absa Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday, 4 May (kick-off is at 19:30).

Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 3 (Castro 45’, Nthethe 56’, Katsande, og 70’)

Kaizer (1) 1 (Gordinho 35’)

Mamelodi Sundowns: Onyango; Mphahlele, Nthethe, Arendse, Langerman; Billiat (S. Zwane 71’), Kekana, Mabunda, Mashaba (Modise 93’), Dolly (Malajila 84’), Castro

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune; Moleko, Mathoho, Gordinho, Ritchie; Tshabalala, Katsande, Letsholonyane, Lebese (Manqele 71’); Maluleka (Twala 58’), Parker