Van Wyk’s late strike saves Sundowns as Chiefs held by Polokwane City

Antonio van Wyk scored in stoppage time to spare Mamelodi Sundowns a shock defeat against Chippa United in the Betway Premiership on Saturday.

The winger’s late intervention secured a 1-1 draw for the league leaders at Buffalo City Stadium, leaving Chippa United without a win after six matches.

The Chilli Boys appeared set to claim their first victory of the season when Sirgio Kammies put them ahead with 12 minutes remaining. He beat Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to give Chippa United a lead they held until the closing stages.

But their hopes disappeared after goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali failed to deal with a cross into the penalty area. The Nigerian goalkeeper palmed the ball away, but it fell to Van Wyk inside the box.

The 24-year-old struck the loose ball and it took a deflection off a Chippa United defender before finding the net.

It was Van Wyk’s second Betway Premiership goal since joining Sundowns from Austrian club SV Ried before the start of the campaign. He has scored four times overall for Mamelodi Sundowns, having also found the net twice during their run to the MTN8 final.

The draw kept Sundowns at the top of the table on 20 points from eight matches. They hold a seven-point advantage over second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have played three games fewer.

Chiefs held as AmaZulu move third

Kaizer Chiefs also dropped points on Saturday after being held to a 1-1 draw by Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Lebohang Maboe gave Amakhosi the lead in the 29th minute as the Soweto club tried to close the gap on the two teams above them.

Polokwane City, known as Rise and Shine, responded in the second half through Giovanni Philander, who equalised in the 73rd minute to ensure the points were shared.

The result left Kaizer Chiefs in fourth place with 12 points.

AmaZulu FC moved above them after beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The decisive goal came from Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, the Premiership’s leading scorer.

Coach Arthur Zwane’s Usuthu now have 13 points from six matches.