Sundowns rescue last-gasp point against Chippa United in 1-1 draw
Sundowns Avoid Historic Loss With Last-Gasp 1-1 Goal as Mamelodi Sundowns rescued a point against Chippa United with virtually the final kick of the match, securing a dramatic 1-1 draw at Buffalo City Stadium.
The result preserved Sundowns’ unbeaten start to the 2026-27 Betway Premiership campaign, while Chippa United were left searching for their first league victory of the season.
Sergio Kammies looked to have secured a famous victory for the Chilli Boys when he put the hosts ahead in the 78th minute. However, substitute Antonio van Wyk struck deep into stoppage time to deny Chippa what would have been a memorable victory over the defending champions.
The dramatic conclusion ensured that Sundowns avoided what would have been a historic defeat, with Van Wyk’s late intervention changing the outcome in the final moments.
Mamelodi Sundowns dominate but struggle to break through
Mamelodi Sundowns started the match with the majority of possession as Chippa United adopted a highly defensive approach.
Brandon Truter’s Chilli Boys were determined to frustrate the visitors, often dropping all 11 players behind the ball and limiting the space available around their penalty area.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso restored Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena and Grant Kekana to the starting line-up following Wednesday’s victory over Siwelele FC. Letlhaku also retained his place in the team.
The visitors nearly opened the scoring before the 20-minute mark when Brayan Leon connected with a volley. However, Chippa goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced an important save to keep the score level.
The early save proved significant as Chippa continued to grow in confidence while Sundowns struggled to turn their territorial advantage into clear-cut opportunities.
Cardoso had already expressed his frustration about the change of venue earlier in the week, but the supporters at Buffalo City Stadium created an energetic atmosphere that helped lift the home side.
Chippa United defend resolutely
Chippa United’s game plan was clear. The hosts defended deep, stayed compact and looked for opportunities to counterattack through the pace of Justice Figareido.
That approach had previously caused problems for Orlando Pirates, and Truter appeared willing to use a similar strategy against Sundowns.
The Brazilians continued to circulate the ball around the Chippa defence, but the home side remained disciplined.
Sundowns attempted to increase the attacking pressure after the break, with Cardoso introducing Cassius Mailula for Letlhaku at the beginning of the second half.
The substitution was intended to add more attacking energy after Letlhaku had been largely contained by Chippa defender Imraan Jones.
Chippa, meanwhile, continued to wait for their opportunities.
Chippa United take a surprise lead
The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock in the 70th minute when Figareido found space on the left side of the penalty area.
The Chippa winger appeared to have an opportunity to threaten the Sundowns goal, but Thapelo Morena produced an important defensive intervention to block the danger.
That opportunity was quickly forgotten when Chippa finally found the breakthrough eight minutes later.
Substitute Sergio Kammies made an immediate impact, scoring with his first touch after turning home Mfecane’s low cross.
The finish gave Chippa United a 1-0 lead with just 13 minutes of normal time remaining and put Sundowns under enormous pressure.
For a team that had dominated possession for large periods, Sundowns suddenly found themselves facing the possibility of dropping points against a side still searching for its first win of the season.
Sundowns last-gasp draw saves unbeaten record
The closing stages produced exactly the kind of drama that made the fixture so significant.
Chippa United defended desperately as Sundowns pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
The hosts appeared to have done enough to secure all three points, but their resistance finally broke in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
A poor punch from Nwabali presented Sundowns with an opportunity inside the penalty area, and Antonio van Wyk reacted quickest to fire a close-range volley into the net.
The goal came in the 90th+5 minute and effectively represented the final major action of the contest.
Van Wyk’s equaliser completed a remarkable Sundowns last-gasp draw, denying Chippa a victory that had looked increasingly likely as the clock moved towards full-time.
For Sundowns, the point maintained their unbeaten record. For Chippa, it was another frustrating result in a campaign where victories have remained elusive.
Betway Premiership table remains led by Sundowns
The latest Betway Premiership standings show Mamelodi Sundowns continuing to occupy top spot after eight matches.
The Brazilians have six victories and two draws, giving them 20 points. They have also scored 19 goals and conceded seven, producing a goal difference of plus 12.
Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu are next on 13 points, while Kaizer Chiefs sit fourth with 12 points.
Chippa United remain 12th with five points after six matches. Their record now stands at five draws and one defeat, meaning they are still without a victory.
2026-27 Premiership standings
| Pos | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mamelodi Sundowns | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 19 | 7 | +12 | 20 |
| 2 | Orlando Pirates | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 1 | +11 | 13 |
| 3 | AmaZulu | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 7 | +2 | 13 |
| 4 | Kaizer Chiefs | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 7 | +5 | 12 |
| 5 | Sekhukhune United | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 8 |
| 6 | Milford | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 8 |
| 7 | Polokwane City | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 7 |
| 8 | Durban City | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 6 |
| 9 | TS Galaxy | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 6 |
| 9 | Stellenbosch FC | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 6 |
| 11 | Lamontville Golden Arrows | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| 12 | Chippa United | 6 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 5 |
| 13 | Richards Bay FC | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 8 | -2 | 3 |
| 14 | Marumo Gallants | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 11 | -6 | 2 |
| 15 | Siwelele FC | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 12 | -7 | 2 |
| 16 | Kruger United | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 11 | -9 | 1 |
What the result means for Sundowns
The draw will likely feel like two points dropped for Sundowns rather than one point gained.
The reigning league leaders controlled large periods of the match but were unable to find a breakthrough until the final seconds.
However, the late equaliser could prove valuable as the season develops.
Sundowns remain unbeaten after eight matches and have collected 20 points from a possible 24. Their attacking numbers are also impressive, with 19 goals scored.
The result also highlights the challenge of breaking down teams that sit deep and defend in numbers.
Cardoso’s side will need to find ways of turning possession into goals, particularly when opponents choose to surrender territory and rely on counterattacks.
Chippa United still searching for first victory
For Chippa United, the performance demonstrated that they can compete against one of the strongest teams in the division.
Truter’s side defended effectively for most of the contest and were only seconds away from securing three points.
Kammies’ goal gave the Chilli Boys genuine hope of recording their first league victory of the season.
Instead, Van Wyk’s late equaliser extended Chippa’s winless run.
Their five draws from six matches show that the team has been difficult to defeat, but the lack of victories has prevented them from moving higher up the 2026-27 Premiership standings.
YOU MAY LIKE:
Grobler strikes late as Stellenbosch FC draw with Sekhukhune
Sundowns remain the team to beat
The dramatic ending ensured that Sundowns Avoid Historic Loss With Last-Gasp 1-1 Goal became the defining story of the encounter.
Sundowns remain firmly at the top of the table, while Chippa United will take encouragement from their disciplined display despite conceding at the death.
The Brazilians will now look to improve their efficiency in front of goal as they continue their title defence.
For Chippa, the immediate priority is turning competitive performances and draws into victories.
With the Betway Premiership table already beginning to take shape, every point will become increasingly important as the season progresses.
References frommainstream media
- SABC News — “Log leaders Sundowns shift focus to Chippa United” — Reports on Sundowns’ strong start to the 2026–27 Betway Premiership season and their build-up to the Chippa United fixture.
Read the SABC News report - SuperSport — “Sundowns riding momentum as Chippa await” — Covers Sundowns’ unbeaten run, their position at the top of the table and Chippa United’s winless start before the fixture.
Read the SuperSport report - SuperSport — “Chippa United’s clash against Sundowns moved to Buffalo City Stadium” — Confirms the venue change to Buffalo City Stadium for the Chippa United vs Mamelodi Sundowns match.
Read the SuperSport report - SABC News — “Sundowns sweep Siwelele aside to go six points clear at top” — Provides recent match context on Sundowns’ form and their position at the top of the Betway Premiership before facing Chippa.
Read the SABC News report
Support Independent Journalism with eKayNews! 📰✨
At eKayNews, we are dedicated to bringing you honest, independent, and reliable news. But we can’t do it alone—independent journalism relies on the strength and generosity of its community.
If you value our work, please consider supporting us today! You can help keep us going by choosing a subscription or simply buying us a one-off virtual coffee:
👉 Support us here: ekaynews.co.za/subscribe-form/
You can also support our mission by visiting our main site at www.ekaynews.co.za and following @eKayNews on all social media platforms.
Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and for being part of our journey! 🙏💙
