By Michael Madyira
Mamelodi Sundowns came back from behind to edge Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in a blockbuster Premier Soccer League clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Ranga Chivaviro thrust Amakhosi ahead nine minutes into the contest before Lucas Ribeiro Costa responded for Sundowns on the half hour mark.
Iqraam Rayners then grabbed Sundowns’ winner six minutes later as Masandwana remain unbeaten in this campaign.
It was the first stern examination of Nabi’s coaching credentials in the PSL as Amakhosi tasted victory for the first time in their opening encounters this season.
Nabi made one change for Chiefs from the team that beat AmaZulu in midweek with Edson Castillo being in the lineup for the first time this term, stepping in for the benched Njabulo Blom.
There was also a single change for Sundowns as Aubrey Modiba was sacrificed to sit on the bench for captain Themba Zwane who was making his first start in the league this season.
Right-back Khuliso Mudau was on the bench while there was no place for Teboho Mokoena who was dropped again.
As the two sides were still warming up to the occasion, Chivaviro grabbed his second goal in successive matches after shouldering off Mosa Lebusa to beat Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Rayners almost levelled matters when his tap-in went just wide off a Lucas Ribeiro Costa cross.
Sundowns managed to reply just after the half-hour mark when Tashreeq Matthews fed Ribeiro who fired home from an acute angle for his third goal in three straight games against Chiefs.
Immediately after, the Brazilian who has five goals in all competitions this season then tried a sensational strike from distance but a spectacular save from Fiacre Ntwatri met his effort.
Ribeiro’s charge continued; and this time around he provided for Rayners who made no mistake at the first attempt past Ntwari.
Just after the hour mark, Chiefs almost equalised but Williams made a brilliant save to deny Castillo.
Substitute Ashley du Preez showed his frailties of recent seasons when he came face-to-face with Williams but could not beat the Sundowns goalkeeper.
Williams was back again to fully stretch and save a Castillo diving header with nine minutes to go.
Sundowns managed to hold on to their slender lead as Chiefs dropped points for the first time this term.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mosa Lebua tries to stop Kaizer Chiefs forward Ranga Chivaviro
Source: Kaizer Chiefs
