Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns were left frustrated again and handed the initiative back to Kaizer Chiefs after a being held to a 2 all draw by Maritzburg United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday evening.

A win for Sundowns would have seen them close the gap to three points on leaders Chiefs but it was another bitter end for Pitso Mosimane’s side which saw Ricardo Nascimento sent off.

Sundowns have not won a league match since the restart and points are running out fast. The Brazilians are now five points adrift from the log leaders and have played the same number of games.

Coach Pitso Mosimane made a couple of changes to his side which saw the likes of Ali Meza, Andile Jali, Lyle Lakay, Motjeka Madisha, Anele Ngcongca and Promise Mkhuma making their way into the starting eleven and the latter making his first start.

The clash in Atteridgeville started like a house on fire as both sides were pressing each other and playing free-flowing football and looking for that opening goal. It took the Brazilians twenty-four minute to find the back of the net through a great finish by Hlompho Kekana. The lead did not last that long as The Team of Choice found the equaliser through Rushine De Reuck after the ball was not properly cleared.

The second half started at a high pace and Masandawana showed intentions that they wanted the three points as they pushed United to their limit. They were duly rewarded when the referee awarded a penalty, which was calmly slotted in by Ricardo Nascimento.

The Eric Tinkler led side were just not backing down from the battle as they also threw everything they had with Thabiso Kutumela finding the equaliser, as his shot beat Dennis Onyango. The tightly contested clash ended with the Brazilians being one man short as Nascimento was given his marching orders and will serve a two match suspension.

The next game for Sundowns is against Golden Arrows on Monday at Dobsonville Stadium at 18:00 CAT (19:00 EAT) while their title rivals Kaizer Chiefs have a clash against Stellenbosch on Sunday at 18:00 CAT (19:00 EAT)