Levy Mashiane made a significant impression on Kaizer Chiefs as Royal AM came back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw in the Betway Premiership match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Chiefs seemed poised for victory after a strong first half, but Royal AM’s determined performance in the second half shifted the game’s momentum.
Both teams entered the match seeking consecutive wins. Royal AM had just endured a thrilling 3-2 loss to Golden Arrows, while Chiefs celebrated a 2-0 triumph over Richards Bay earlier in the week, despite finishing the match with ten men after Reeve Frosler received a red card.
Chiefs’ head coach Nasreddine Nabi made two vital adjustments to his squad, bringing in Dillan Solomons to replace the suspended Frosler and Gastón Sirino to take over Pule Modi’s forward role.
The match started brightly for the home team, who quickly took the lead with a goal from Ashley Du Preez. A perfectly weighted through ball from Yusuf Maart split the Royal AM defense, allowing Du Preez to calmly finish past the keeper.
In the 13th minute, Chiefs extended their lead when Wandile Duba tapped in a smart cut-back from Solomons, who had seamlessly navigated past the Royal AM defense.
Chiefs appeared to be seizing control of the game as they launched a series of attacks.
Du Preez struck the post with a powerful shot, Duba’s header was heroically cleared off the line, and Maart missed a golden chance to increase the lead, failing to score in a one-on-one situation with a delicate chip.
However, Royal AM emerged from halftime invigorated. Coach John Maduka substituted Smiso Gumede for Andile Mpisane to bolster the midfield, and the decision paid off instantly.
Ayabulela Maxwele narrowed the gap just six minutes into the second half with a powerful long-range shot that surprised Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson. This goal boosted Royal AM’s confidence as they ramped up their pressure on the Chiefs defense.
Recognizing the shift in momentum, Chiefs coach Nabi opted for a triple substitution to reclaim control. Despite this, Royal AM’s dominance became evident in the closing moments. Mashiane skillfully lifted the ball over Chiefs defender Given Msimango and rushed forward to equalize, ensuring that Maduka’s team earned a well-deserved draw.
