sportskeeda
Levy Mashiane made a significant impact on Kaizer Chiefs as Royal AM rallied from a two-goal deficit to clinch a 2-2 draw in the Betway Premiership match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Chiefs appeared to be heading towards victory after a stellar first half, but a determined performance from Royal AM in the second half shifted the outcome.
Both teams entered the match looking to secure back-to-back victories. Royal AM was coming off a dramatic 3-2 loss to Golden Arrows, while Chiefs had achieved a 2-0 victory over Richards Bay earlier in the week, despite playing most of the match with ten players due to Reeve Frosler’s red card.
Chiefs’ head coach Nasreddine Nabi was forced to make two changes to his lineup, bringing in Dillan Solomons for the suspended Frosler and Gastón Sirino to replace Pule Modi in the forward position.
The match kicked off splendidly for the home team as they took an early lead through a goal from Ashley Du Preez. A perfectly weighted through ball from Yusuf Maart sliced through the Royal AM defense, allowing Du Preez to calmly finish past the goalkeeper.
In the 13th minute, Chiefs extended their lead when Wandile Duba slotted in a precise cut-back from Solomons, who had skillfully navigated through the Royal AM defense.
Chiefs seemed poised to control the match as they launched a series of attacks.
Du Preez hit the post with a powerful strike, Duba’s header was cleared off the line, and Maart squandered a golden opportunity to increase the lead when he missed a one-on-one chance with an attempted delicate chip.
However, Royal AM returned from halftime with renewed energy. Head coach John Maduka introduced Smiso Gumede in place of Andile Mpisane, strengthening the midfield, and the substitution paid off immediately.
Ayabulela Maxwele reduced the deficit just six minutes into the second half with a fierce strike from outside the box that caught Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson off guard. This goal ignited Royal AM’s confidence as they intensified their pressure on the Chiefs defense.
Sensing the momentum shift, Chiefs coach Nabi made a triple substitution to regain control. Yet, Royal AM’s dominance became increasingly clear in the final moments. Mashiane expertly lifted the ball over Chiefs defender Given Msimango and raced ahead to score the equalizer, ensuring Maduka’s team earned the draw they truly deserved.
