Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs were let down by some poor finishing during their Premier Soccer League match against AmaZulu FC which ended in a 0-0 draw at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.
Chiefs are now winless in two matches in the league and the result saw the Soweto giants move up to the 10th spot on the standings ahead of their encounter against Marumo Gallants on September 11.
While Usuthu are also winless in two games in the league following the stalemate and they climbed up to second place on the log, and they are scheduled to face Chippa United on September 10.
Chiefs were the better side in the opening exchanges as they looked to cut open the AmaZulu defence with their explosive speed which led to Mbongeni Gumede handling the ball in the box while trying to stop Kgaogelo Sekgota. However, Dillon Solomons placed his effort from the spot-kick wide of the target from the penalty spot much to the dismay of the Amakhosi fans.
Khama Billiat had his shot saved by goalkeeper Veli Mothwa after attacking the Usuthu backline with speed. Usuthu finished the first half the stronger of the two teams with Frank Mhango’s goal-bound shot being blocked by Njabulo Ngcobo, while Zitha Kwinika’s miscued clearance nearly beat keeper Itumeleng Khune at the far post and the score was 0-0 at halftime.
Usuthu looked to take the hosts by surprise after the restart, but Khune produced a decent save to deny Augustine Chidi Kwem at the near-post. The home side responded by putting pressure on AmaZulu with Mothwa pulling off a fabulous save to deny Sifiso Hlanti, before gathering a dangerous cross that had deflected off Abubaker Mobara.
Chiefs introduced their new signing Bonfils Caleb Bimenyimana with 20 minutes left as they pushed for a late winning goal. The Burundian striker nearly got on the end of a looped pass from fellow substitute Keagan Dolly with the ball being snatched away by Mothwa to ensure that the game ended in a 0-0 draw on the night.
Meanwhile Royal AM recorded maximum points in a 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United in the DStv Premiership on Saturday night, as Dan Malesela’s side put on a show at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.