Defending champions Kaizer Chiefs’ struggles to retain their title continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sekhukhune United in the DStv Diski Challenge festival at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.
Amakhosi took the lead in the first half through Shaun Els, briefly reigniting their title hopes.
However, Babina Noko’s Sekhukhune United equalised in the second half when Ntokozo Msimango rose highest to head home just after the hour mark.
Chiefs had several chances to reclaim the lead, the best of which came before the 80th minute. Sekhukhune goalkeeper Tsepo Mahauza spilled a free kick into the path of Leshate Morwaswi inside the six-yard box, but Morwaswi ballooned his shot over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.
Steven Mendes also tested the Sekhukhune goalkeeper with a shot from the edge of the box, while Neo Bohloko — who came on in the second half — was denied from close range during stoppage time.
Chiefs were left holding their heads in frustration as their hopes of reclaiming the title continued to fade.
The draw leaves Chiefs eight points behind runaway leaders Orlando Pirates, who beat Golden Arrows 2-1 at the same venue in KwaMashu on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns secured a comfortable 2-0 win over AmaZulu on Sunday.
Oarabile Booysen opened the scoring for Sundowns with a powerful strike at the near post early in the first half, before Chuene Moabelo doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime.
Bennet Mokoena — who recently made his senior team debut against Golden Arrows last month — added a third with a stunning 30-yard free kick in the 59th minute. The Sundowns technical team later substituted him, confident that AmaZulu were unlikely to mount a comeback.
Usuthu showed improvement in the second half and came close on several occasions, but Sundowns held firm to seal the victory.
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