Levy Mashiane stunned Kaizer Chiefs as Royal AM came back twice behind to draw 2-2 in the Betway Premiership match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.  

Chiefs appeared to be on their way to the three points after a dominant first-half display by Chiefs, but they were undone by Royal AM’s spirited second-half resurgence.

Both teams entered the encounter chasing back-to-back wins. Royal AM were fresh off a thrilling 3-2 loss against Golden Arrows, while Chiefs had dispatched Richards Bay 2-0 midweek despite playing much of the match with ten men following a red card to Reeve Frosler.

Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi made two enforced changes to his lineup, with Dillan Solomons replacing the suspended Frosler and Gastón Sirino taking Pule Modi’s spot in attack.

The match started brightly for the hosts, who took an early lead through Ashley Du Preez. A perfectly weighted through ball from Yusuf Maart split the Royal AM defense, allowing Du Preez to calmly slot past the goalkeeper.

Chiefs doubled their lead in the 13^th minute when Wandile Duba tapped in a clever cut-back from Solomons, who had danced through the visitors’ defense with ease. 

Chiefs seemed poised to run away with the game as they launched wave after wave of attacks.

Du Preez rattled the post with a powerful strike, Duba’s header was deflected off the line, and Maart squandered a golden opportunity to extend the lead, missing a one-on-one with a chipped effort.  

Royal AM, however, came out with renewed determination after the break. Head coach John Maduka replaced Andile Mpisane with Smiso Gumede to strengthen the midfield, and the change immediately paid dividends.

Ayabulela Maxwele halved the deficit six minutes into the second half with a thunderous strike from distance, catching Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson out of position. The goal ignited Royal AM’s belief as they piled pressure on the Amakhosi defense.

Sensing the shift in momentum, Chiefs coach Nabi responded with a triple substitution, attempting to regain control of the match. That did not as Royal AM’s dominance was telling in the closing stages. Mashiane lifted the ball over Chiefs defender Given Msimango and sprinted clear to knock the equalizer to ensure Maduka’s boys get the draw they richly deserve.