Chippa United were seconds away from handing Mamelodi Sundowns their first Betway Premiership defeat of the season, but the African champions found a late equaliser in front of a sold-out crowd on a heavy pitch at the Buffalo City Stadium.
Rainy weather, a heavy pitch, and a brave Chippa defensive performance, led by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, frustrated the dominant Sundowns team for much of the game. The Brazilians will rue several attempts at goal that were unable to convert.
Chippa also caused a few of their own problems on the counter, and while they caught the Sundowns napping a few times, they weren’t able to trouble Ronwen Williams’ goal.
The first half was rare on real opportunities as both sides had to adjust their style of play, especially Sundowns, with the pitch being in a questionable condition.
Sundowns survived a huge scare in the 32nd minute when Ronwen Williams slipped as he received a back pass but he got up just in time to clear the ball over the onrushing Chippa forward.
Chippa had the best chance of the game after 69 minutes when Figuraeido was found on the counter, but his shot was deflected by Thapelo Morena in the last second.
Grant Kekana had a header on target after a great cross by Aubrey Modiba but it was easily saved by Stanley Nwabali after 75 minutes.
Three minutes later, Sirgio Kammies found the much-celebrated opener after being set up by Khaya Mfecane, just a minute after being brought onto the pitch.
Sundowns pushed for the equaliser, and had a cross by Cassius Mailula cleared in the last minute ahead of the onrushing Iqraam Rayners, while Teboho Mokoena had a header saved by Nwabali.
But Downs had the last laugh as Antonio van Wyk scored the equaliser with the last kick of the match in the 95th minute, preventing Chippa’s first-ever win over Masandawana in the Betway Premiership.