Sekhukhune struck early to put the visitors under pressure, but Amakhosi managed to equalise just before half-time. However, a late red card to Pule Mmodi left Chiefs finishing the game with 10 men, further denting their push for a strong end to the season.

With just one game remaining, Chiefs sit ninth on the log with 31 points from 29 matches, outside the top eight and running out of time to change that.

Sekhukhune, on the other hand, were pushing for maximum points in their pursuit of a CAF Confederation Cup berth. They remain fourth with 46 points, just one behind third-placed Stellenbosch FC with one round of fixtures left.

The match got off to a nightmare start for the Nedbank Cup champions, who conceded in the fourth minute after missing a chance of their own at the other end. Ngoanamello Rammala made no mistake for Sekhukhune, punishing Chiefs' early defensive lapse.

Despite falling behind, Chiefs showed signs of recovery, creating a few promising opportunities through the likes of Gaston Sirino and Glody Lilepo, though none found the back of the net.

Sekhukhune didn't ease off either, and nearly doubled their lead on the half-hour mark when Keletso Makgalwa's powerful half-volley was brilliantly kept out by Brandon Petersen.

Just before the break, Chiefs found their equaliser through Lilepo, who cut inside from the flank and curled a superb effort past goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.

The second half saw both teams continue to threaten, with goalkeepers on either end being called into action. Makgalwa remained a danger for Sekhukhune, testing Petersen with a couple of long-range strikes, but lacked the finishing touch.

As the clock wound down, both teams searched for a winner. However, a mix of poor decision-making in the final third and excellent goalkeeping kept the scoreline level.

In stoppage time, Chiefs suffered a major blow when Mmodi was shown a red card for a rash challenge on Shaun Mogaila, leaving Amakhosi to see out the final moments with ten men.

In the end, the two sides were forced to settle for a share of the spoils — a result that does more harm than good to both teams' ambitions heading into the final week of the campaign.

Kaizer Chiefs' top-eight hopes slowly fading away after Sekhukhune draw