Kaizer Chiefs have returned to eighth position after a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu FC in a DStv Premiership match on Sunday at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Meanwhile, AmaZulu remain in 12th place, but their hopes of finishing within the coveted top-eight are still mathematically alive.
Ashley Du Preez was on the score sheet scoring the opener for Amakhosi, while Victor Letsoalo equalised for Usuthu just before the break.
Pablo Franco Martin made five changes to his starting line-up. Mbongeni Gumede, Ethan Brooks, Mlondi Mbanjwa, and Tshepang Moremi were all dropped, with Junior Dion missing out due to suspension. Taariq Fielies, Abbubaker Mobara, Celimpilo Ngema, Hendrick Ekstein, and Victor Letsoalo came into the side.
On the other hand, the Soweto giants made four changes. They had to play without their suspended regular defender, Dove Edmilson, who was replaced by Sfiso Hlanti. Reeve Frosler, Dillon Solomons, and Christian Saile also made way for Thatayoane Ditlhokwe, Zitha Kwinika and Ashley Du Preez.
CHIEFS’ EARLY GOAL
On his return to the line-up, Du Preez made a decisive contribution for Chiefs. He capitalised on a misplaced back pass from Ben Motshwari intended for Taariq Fielies, slotting the ball past Veli Mothwa to put Chiefs ahead in the 2nd minute.
Thereafter, Johnson’s men were kept busy at the back as Usuthu desperately searched for an equaliser. However, Chiefs remained dangerous on the counter-attack, looking to exploit AmaZulu’s attacking intent whenever they won possession back in midfield.
In the 21st minute, Mothwa denied Chiefs from doubling the lead, pulling out a magnificent save to stop Hlanti’s well-taken free-kick.
The game then settled into a midfield battle for a period. Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, with misplaced passes and challenges disrupting the flow of play. The most notable opportunity during this phase came in the 37th minute when Shabalala unleashed a powerful shot from a distance that rattled the AmaZulu post.
USUTHU’S EQUALISER AHEAD OF THE BREAK
After that AmaZulu didn’t take long to respond to Chiefs’ opening goal. In the 40th minute, Victor Letsoalo rose to head home Augustine Mulenga’s cross, restoring parity for Usuthu. The score was 1-1 at half-time.
Early in the second-half, the home side seemed to be enjoying more ball possession than the opponents. Their constant forward movements nearly paid off when Ekstein’s curling shot was expertly dealt with by Bruce Bvuma.
In an effort to respond to the challenge, Johnson made two changes, taking out Shabalala and Chivaviro, bringing on Edson Castillo and Saile.
Later in the second half, Chiefs brought on youngster Mfundo Vilakazi, replacing Sibongiseni Mthethwa. The changes seemed to revitalize the visitors, who began to push forward more aggressively. However, AmaZulu’s defence remained resolute, absorbing the pressure effectively.
In the 87th minute, AmaZulu had a penalty shout denied after Njabulo Ngcobo appeared to handle the ball in the box. The closing stages saw heroics from AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, who made two crucial saves in the 90th minute to deny Ashley Du Preez and Christian Saile from close range, preserving the vital point for Usuthu.
The match went on to end 1-1, with both sides sharing spoils.
OTHER RESULTS:
- Cape Town City 1-1 TS Galaxy
- Golden Arrows 1-1 Chippa United
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