Levy Mashiane significantly influenced the match as Royal AM fought back from a two-goal disadvantage to level the score at 2-2 against Kaizer Chiefs during the Betway Premiership fixture at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

After a dominant first half, it seemed Chiefs were on course for victory, but Royal AM’s resolute showing after the break changed the game’s dynamics.

Both squads entered the match searching for consecutive wins. Royal AM had narrowly lost 3-2 to Golden Arrows, while Chiefs celebrated a 2-0 triumph over Richards Bay earlier in the week, even after Reeve Frosler received a red card and his team had to play a man down.

Chiefs’ head coach Nasreddine Nabi made two crucial adjustments to his starting eleven: Dillan Solomons replaced the suspended Frosler, while Gastón Sirino took over Pule Modi’s attacking responsibilities.

The game kicked off with a bang for the home team, who quickly went ahead with a goal from Ashley Du Preez. Yusuf Maart delivered a perfectly timed through ball that split the Royal AM defense, allowing Du Preez to finish coolly past the goalkeeper.

In the 13^th minute, Chiefs extended their lead when Wandile Duba finished a cleverly placed cut-back from Solomons, who had weaved through the Royal AM defense effortlessly.

With a flurry of attacks, it appeared that Chiefs were ready to dominate the match.

Du Preez struck the post with a fierce shot, a header from Duba was dramatically cleared off the line, and Maart let a great chance slip by failing to convert in a one-on-one situation with a delicate chip.

However, Royal AM emerged from halftime with renewed vigor. Coach John Maduka brought in Smiso Gumede for Andile Mpisane to bolster the midfield, a change that yielded results almost immediately.

Ayabulela Maxwele halved the deficit just six minutes after the break with a powerful long-range effort that caught Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson by surprise. This goal ignited Royal AM’s confidence, as they ramped up their pressure on the Chiefs defense.

Recognizing the change in momentum, Chiefs coach Nabi opted for three substitutions to reclaim control. Yet, Royal AM’s dominance became evident in the closing stages. Mashiane skillfully lifted the ball over Chiefs defender Given Msimango and darted forward to level the score, ensuring Maduka’s team earned a well-deserved draw.