SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs played out to a 1-1 draw at the Mbombela Stadium in their Absa Premiership encounter on Friday evening as both teams missed a chance to close the gap at the top.

Matsatsantsa came into the encounter in fifth place, just three points ahead of Chiefs in seventh.

Both teams failed, however, to pick up all three points in their bids to keep close to the top of the table as the title race begins to heat up.

Kaitano Tembo’s men got off to the perfect start when Abrey Modiba’s powerful effort was pushed back into the danger area by Chiefs keeper Bruce Bvuma, where Mxolisi Machupu was waiting to head his side into the lead with just two minutes played.

It didn’t take the Amakhosi long to respond, as Khama Billiat drew his side level in the 14th minute. The Zimbabwean drove forward with the ball before producing a superb strike which curled around Ronwen Williams and rifled the back of the net.

Congratulations to Absa Man of the Match: Khama Biliiat#AbsaPrem #HailTheChief #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/BpvnDq5sTn

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) March 15, 2019

Chiefs then almost took the lead through Leonardo Castro with 30 minutes gone, but Williams did well to produce a stunning save from point-blank range.

Chiefs were still looking a threat though, while SuperSport looked to capitalise on their set plays and counter attacks.

1-1 the score at the break after a fantastic first half.

The home side had a chance to regain the lead nine minutes after the restart as Clayton Daniels rose high to meet a cross, but his glancing header flew just wide.

The second half was completely different to the first as both teams struggled for fluidity while a tight midfield battle ensued.

Both coaches turned to the substitutes, but none of the men from the bench could make any telling impact in a half where few chances were created.

1-1 the final score as Chiefs and SuperSport were forced to share the spoils.