Kaizer Chiefs were on Sunday held to a frustrating goalless draw by Chippa United in their opening match of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban
Both teams had new coaches in charge. Chiefs had Molefi Ntseki, whilst Chippa had a familiar face Morgan Mammila.
Four Kaizer Chiefs new signings, Given Msimango, Ranga Chivaviro, Edson Castillo and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, were handed their first starts.
On the other hand, Mduduzi Mdantsane and Tebogo Potsane made second-half appearances, whilst Pule Mmodi was unavailable following the passing of his mother.
GOALESS AT THE BREAK IN DURBAN
It was a tight affair at the start of the match as both teams were trying to settle in, showing attacking intentions.
Chippa grew in confidence and started piling pressure on the hosts in search of an early goal. The Gqeberha outfit were dominating play in Amakhosi’s half.
The Chilli Boys created two scoring opportunities through Siphelele Luthuli and Menzi Ndwandwe, however, their efforts were off-target.
Mduduzi Shabalala was the first Chiefs player to threaten at goal, only for his effort to be wide at goal.
The host’s first real chance came in the 20th minute through Nkosingiphile Ngobo with a freekick, but he fired it over the bar. A few minutes later, Ngcobo tried his luck again, but his shot didn’t trouble goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili.
The two sides went at the break deadlocked at 0-0 as either side failed to find the back of the net.
LACK OF CLINICAL FINISHING
In the second half, both teams started brightly playing attacking football but lacked clinical finishing to break the deadlock.
Ndwandwe and Given Msimango missed headed efforts in a short space of time respectively.
Molefi Ntseki brought in fresh legs in the second half as they became more desperate for a goal. Ashley Du Preez, Mduduzi Mdantsane and Tebogo Potsane came in for Shabalala, Ngcobo and Chivaviro respectively.
In the 74th minute, Christian Saile came close to opening the score for the Soweto giants but was denied by the goalie. Moments later, substitute Ronaldo Maarman’s effort was well dealt with by Brandon Petersen.
Chippa’s Ayabulela Konqobe had the last chance to bag a winner in the stoppage but Petersen saved his shot.
In another encounter, TS Galaxy defeated newcomers Cape Town Spurs 1-0 at Mbombela Stadium. Cohen Stander scored an own goal in the 85th minute.
Cape Town City started the new season on winning note defeating Polokwane City 1-0. Jo Paciencia scored the only goal of the match in the stoppage time.
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