The match between the two titans started at a very fast pace as both teams wanted to make their intentions clear. David “DVD” Mathebula and Arthur “10111” Zwane lead the Chiefs attack from both flanks, but it was Sundowns who got the lucky break in the 11th minute through a Lungisani Ndlela goal. When the tall Sundowns forward got a long ball in the box he made it 1-0 for the struggling PSL defending Champions.

The Kaizer Chiefs defence made several mistakes and nearly awarded the Zimbabwean international, Peter Ndlovu an opportunity to revive his goal scoring prowess. Thanks to an Emille Baron save, which saw the ball go over the cross bar, that did not happen.

The Mighty Amakhosi continued making brilliant runs on the flanks in search of an equalizer, and came close to scoring when Mabhuti Khenyeza hit the side net with only Calvin Marlin to beat. Arthur Zwane nearly the levelled score from an Onismor Bhasera cross, but again Marlin denied Chiefs the equalizer.

Tshepo Bulu was unlucky not to hit the back of the net with his two efforts narrowly shaving the crossbar. Moments later he was carried off the field after he received a “Karate kick” from Sundowns defender, David Kannemeyer. His departure saw Thuso Phala converting to an unfamiliar central forward position, which he grabbed with both “feet” and beat the Sundowns defenders for speed. He came very close when got face to face with substitute keeper, Brian Baloyi who made a good save from Phala’s powerful shot.

Later in the second half the battle continued in the middle of the park with Tinashe Nengomashe giving the Sundowns defenders Manqoba Ngwenya and fellow countryman, Esrom Nyandoro all sorts of problems trying to get the ball away from him. Minutes later Thabo Mooki laid the ball back to Nengomashe from a free kick, who made no mistake beating Baloyi with a superb strike from 20 yards out which levelled the score for Kaizer Chiefs. This goal came much to the delight of the Amakhosi supporters, who were in the majority of attendees at the Gauteng Challenge.

In the second half Michael Nkambule came on as a substitute and showed flashes of brilliance when he set the crowd alight with his silky skills and accelerated the pace of the game. He toyed with the Sundowns midfielders, in particular Manqoba Ngwenya who resorted to fouling the trickster.

Phala combined well with Nkambule as they continued irritating the Sundowns defenders like a thorn in the flesh, but Baloyi came to their rescued Downs on numerous occasions. Regulation time ended with scores level and the game had to be decided on penalties. The final penalty score was 5-4 in favour of Sundowns.

Despite the unfortunate defeat, coach Ertugral reached his overall objective of trying out new combinations and assessing his new recruits.