Kaizer Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Amakhosi took the lead through Langelihle Phili in the second half, but their advantage lasted less than 10 minutes before Cassius Mailula brought Sundowns level.
Neither side managed to take control of a cagey first half. Sundowns enjoyed more possession but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, while Chiefs were largely content to stay compact and wait for their chances.
The game came to life after the break when Chiefs finally breached the Sundowns defence. The opening goal sparked the visitors into action and they eventually found an equaliser.
Amakhosi then had to withstand late pressure, doing enough defensively to secure a point.
Here are five things we learned from the Chiefs and Sundowns clash.
- Modiba struggles again
Aubrey Modiba endured a difficult afternoon and was largely kept quiet by Thabiso Monyane.
The Chiefs defender also did well to limit the influence of Tashreeq Matthews, leaving Modiba with little room to impose himself going forward.
His defending raised questions at times, while his usual threat in attack was largely absent. Modiba also struggled to make his long-range passing count, particularly when attempting to find Brayan Leon.
For a player expected to provide width and attacking quality, it was another underwhelming performance.
Chiefs exposes Sundowns defence
- Questions around Ronwen Williams
Ronwen Williams has not consistently produced the match-winning performances expected from a goalkeeper of his quality.
Too many shots on target appear to be finding the back of the net, while his positioning and command of his area have also come under scrutiny.
With Sundowns having conceded five goals in their opening three league matches, questions are beginning to emerge around the Bafana Bafana captain.
Williams remains one of the country’s most experienced goalkeepers, but Sundowns will need him at his best if they are to challenge for major honours this season.
- Are Chiefs settling for second best?
There is a growing feeling that Chiefs are content to play for a draw when facing Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
Their approach against Sundowns certainly suggested they were more interested in avoiding defeat than taking the game to the visitors. The lineup included three defensive-minded players, while Amakhosi were happy to sit deep for long periods despite having home advantage.
A superb goal gave Chiefs the lead, but for the second time against Sundowns, they were unable to hold onto their advantage.
Once Sundowns equalised, Chiefs appeared satisfied with securing a point.
If Amakhosi genuinely want to challenge for the league title, they cannot afford to treat draws against their biggest rivals as satisfactory results every time. They will eventually need to show the ambition to beat the teams competing for the same prize.
- Chiefs still have defensive vulnerabilities
Despite limiting Sundowns to one goal, Chiefs’ defensive performance highlighted some weaknesses.
Thabo Moloisane was making his first appearance and understandably looked short of rhythm at times. His understanding with Miguel Inacio was also not always convincing, while Zitha Kwinika appeared unsettled in certain moments.
Chiefs put a shift against Sundowns in the midfield
Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Siphesihle Ndlovu put in disciplined performances and helped minimise the damage as Sundowns pushed for a winner.
Chiefs will need greater defensive stability if they are serious about maintaining a title challenge.
- Cardoso still has work to do
Sundowns’ changes during the off-season appear to have affected their rhythm.
Several players who were not regular starters last season are now being asked to play bigger roles, and the likes of Sphelele Mkhulise and Keagan Johannes have struggled to find their best form.
The absences of Teboho Mokoena, Khuluman Ndamane, Iqraam Rayners and Nuno Santos have also left gaps that Sundowns are still trying to fill.
Miguel Cardoso has an enviable squad at his disposal, but finding the right combinations and restoring the fluidity that has characterised Sundowns in recent years will take time. Chiefs could have beaten Sundowns had they went all out.
The draw at FNB Stadium showed that the champions remain a dangerous side, but there are still plenty of areas for Cardoso to address.