‘As you were’ after Chiefs, Sundowns both lose

by Graeme Jackson

Sunday Aug 30, 2020. 20:25

The Absa Premiership title race kept the status quo after a dramatic Sunday in which title rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns both lost.

Log leaders Chiefs were sucker punched 1-0 by Bidvest Wits at the FNB Stadium in the mid-afternoon game, with the Clever Boys striking deep in injury time through Bienvenu Eva Nga.

Amakhosi coach Ernst Middendorp described it as a “disaster result”, knowing that it opened the door for Sundowns to take complete control of the title race if they could beat Baroka FC at Dobsonville Stadium in the evening game.

However, the Brazilians blew the chance to move within touching distance of a third straight championship, succumbing 1-0 with a frustrating performance in which they lacked composure and incisiveness.

The result for Baroka, secured by a first-half header from Ananias Gebhardt, takes them two points clear of the relegation playoff berth.

The early afternoon match at Tuks Stadium saw Bloemfontein Celtic reclaim a place in the top eight with a 0-0 draw against bottom-of-the-log Polokwane City.

The Absa Premiership will resume on Wednesday 2 September with eight matches all kicking off at 18h00 CAT for the penultimate round of the season.

Absa Premiership results, Sunday 30 August

Bloemfontein Celtic 0-0 Polokwane City

Bidvest Wits 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs

Mamelodi Sundowns 0-1 Baroka FC