Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns share goalless draw at half-time in Betway Premiership clash

Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns went into the interval level at 0-0 after a cagey first half at FNB Stadium on 15 August 2026, with only one shot on target between the two sides.

Sundowns were forced to start without Teboho Mokoena, while Mkhulise was rewarded with a place in the starting line-up after scoring twice as a substitute in the recent victory over TS Galaxy.

Kaizer Chiefs also made a notable change to their defence. With no recognisable senior left-back in the squad, Thabo Moloisane was handed his debut in the starting XI, while Reeve Frolser missed out.

Fernando da Cruz opted for an unusually midfield-heavy Chiefs formation, with no recognised striker on the pitch from the start. Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Sibongiseni Mthethwa were all included in the central areas, helping the hosts limit Sundowns during the opening 15 minutes.

That approach made it difficult for the visitors to create clear chances early on. Sundowns gradually assumed control as the half progressed, however, with Marcelo Allende and Mkhulise helping to dictate the tempo in midfield.

Antonio van Wyk and Tashreeq Matthews were largely unable to influence the game from the wide positions, as Chiefs remained disciplined without the ball. Despite Sundowns having more possession and territory later in the half, neither side was able to produce the decisive moment before the break.

Line-ups

Kaizer Chiefs: 1. Petersen, 2. Monyane, 84. Miguel, 4. Kwinika, 42. Moloisane, 5. Mthethwa, 6. Maboe, 8. Ndlovu, 13. Mmodi, 70. Phili, 11. Baartman.

Substitutes: 16. Leaner, 18. Solomons, 22. Mtasingwa, 7. Shabalala, 12. Ngcobo, 38. Vilakazi, 23. Chislett, 17. Velebayi, 37. Duba.

Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 25. Mudau, 6. Modiba, 20. Grant Kekana, 37. Johannes, 15. Aubass, 29. Van Wyk, 11. Allende, 21. Mkhulise, 17. Matthews, 12. Leon.

Substitutes: 31. Goss, 40. Mvala, 29. Lunga, 38. Ndlovu, 42. Gomolemo Kekana, 18. Zwane, 46. B. Mokoena, 33. Mailula, 35. Mothiba.

The goalless scoreline leaves the Betway Premiership encounter finely poised for the second half, with Chiefs’ compact midfield approach having frustrated Sundowns but offering little attacking threat of its own.