Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs extended their winless run to three matches in all competitions following a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants at the FNB stadium on Wednesday evening.
Chiefs drew first blood in the 39th minute after Khanyisa Mayo opened his account on debut. Mayo’s effort was then nullified owing to Jaison Clifford in the 75th minute after his classy strike whistled past Brandon Peterson in goal.
The game sprung to life early on, with both sides creating scoring opportunities in the first five minutes. To begin with, Ashley Du Preez had an effort blocked in the first minute of the match, while Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo attempted to give his side the lead from range, however, his shot went wide of the mark.
Chiefs continued to chip away at the Gallants defence, with the likes of Gaston Sirino and Du Preez looking to make a difference. The Free State club were led by attempts from Bheki Mabuza and Daniel Msendami, however, the Gallants duo were unable to keep their efforts on target.
The Soweto giants took the lead in the 39th minute via Mayo, who made his debut. With Chiefs progressing toward the box, Du Preez shifted the ball into Mayo’s path with a glancing pass as the former Cape Town City star guided the ball home from close range.
Chiefs were then awarded a penalty in the 45th minute after Marvin Sikhosana committed a foul inside the area. However, goalkeeper Washington Arubi was on hand to keep Gaston Sirino’s shot at bay.
Gallants levelled matters with 15 minutes left on the clock as Clifford added his name to scoresheet with a well taken right-footed curler on the edge of the 18-yard-area.
Thabo Cele were among the last players to have a go at taking the lead, however, the Chiefs man saw his long range shot going narrowly wide of the mark as the game ended in a 1-1 stalemate.