Kaizer Chiefs secured a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns, while Ajax Cape Town suffered a 2-1 defeat against Maritzburg United in the Absa Premiership on Saturday.

Sundowns got off to a good start and looked intent in the opening exchanges, with the likes of Percy Tau and Themba Zwane leading the Sundowns attack.

The visitors had the first chance at goal when Tiyani Mabunda latched on to the ball in the area, but could only guide his header effort over the crossbar.

Amakhosi had a chance of their own in the 15th minute when Bernard Parker met a Tsepo Masilela low cross, but saw his effort go just wide of the target.

A minute later, and Kennedy Mweene came to his side’s rescue when he came off his line to deny the onrushing Siphiwe Tshabalala from scoring.

Sundowns took the lead in the 25th minute when Khama Billiat latched on to a long ball from Kekana, before firing the ball into the back of the net from long range to make it 1-0.

However, Chiefs then levelled matters in the 34th minute when Parker got on to the end of Chirambardare’s cross before guiding the ball past Mweene.

Mweene once again came to Sundowns rescue when he denied Parker’s left-footed shot from a tight angle.

Zwane missed a great opportunity to give his side the lead in the 56th minute when he was set up by Percy Tau, but the midfielder blazed his effort high and wide of the target.

Amakhosi shot-stopper Khune then rescued his side when he came off his line to put a stop to Zwane’s one-on-one effort.

Chiefs took the lead in the 76th minute when substitute Gustavo Paez put Soumahoro under pressure, forcing the defender to turn the ball into his own net after a lack of communication between him and the goalkeeper.

Shortly afterwards, Paez played fellow substitute George Lebese through on goal, but the winger put his effort wide of the target.

Chiefs almost extended their lead when Paez dispossessed Soumahoro, but the forward was unable to direct his shot on target despite running through on goal.

However, Amakhosi held on to their 2-1 lead until the final whistle to claim all three points and extend their winning run to 10 matches.

Meanwhile, Ajax Cape Town suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium when goals by Andrea Fillecia and Brian Mandela cancelled out Rodrick Kabwe’s 85th minute goal.

Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix