The hosts had their first chance in the 10th minute when Zambia striker Collins Mbesuma set-up John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu but the midfielder shot into the stands from inside the 18-yard area.

As the first half lapsed it was the Amakhosi who had greater stakes in possession and in shots on goal, most from distance, but it did not test Downs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi.

On the other end Chiefs keeper Rowen Fernandez was called into action in the 39th when Rotson Kilambe played a simple ball through the Chiefs defence for Siake Tiene, but Fernandez was quick off his line to intercept the pass.

Amakhosi quickly attacked and when David Radebe found himself on goal and took a shot which Baloyi blocked, however the ball fell into Mbesuma’s path and the striker made the finish look easy putting his team in the lead after 41 minutes,

Downs tried to respond and Tiene lead the attack. Taking on the Chiefs defence and beating them the Ivorian shot at goal but his effort went wide.

The hosts went into the break with a slender lead.

Both teams continued the explosive action in the second half, the Amakhosi looking to increase the lead and Sundowns trying to get back into one of the biggest games in the league.

Radebe again found himself running on goal but his shot went wide, minutes later he again failed to capitalize and again his effort went wide.

On the other hand Vuyo Mere also had a similar chance but also blasted his effort into the crowd.

The prospect of rain did not hamper the flow of a fast-paced game as rain clouds gathered over Soccer City and the stadium lights were turned on.

A victory for the Phefeni Glamour boys seemed certain but Downs coach Paul Dolezar made changes, which inspired his team to increase their attacking options.

Manqoba ‘Shakes’ Ngwenya rattled the seemingly relaxed Chiefs players to life when finished off a well worked move which included Mere and Josta Dladla cleverly setting up the former Wits player. With ten minutes to go Sundowns felt a win was possible and they continued with their skillful attack.

It was not to be a day of victory for either side although Esrom Nyandoro went close in the 90th minute and Tiene, again, fired wide of goal.

Former Chiefs number one Baloyi, made a good save when Arthur Zwane found himself in the 18-box but his former teammate just got his foot to the goal-bound ball.

Downs are now two points behind leaders Orlando Pirates, who have 22 points, while the defending league champions are fourth, with 15 points from eight games.