Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United played out to a 0-0 draw in the Betway Premiership clash on Saturday evening at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
After this result, Amakhosi remained in the eighth place in the league standings with 31 points after 25 matches while Chippa occupy ninth position having accumulated 30 points from 23 matches.
Zitha Kwinika and Tashreeq Morris were brought into the Chiefs starting eleven, replacing Given Msimango and Glody Lilepo from the team that played against Mamelodi Sundowns in their previous match in the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
The opening few minutes saw a lack of clear goal-scoring opportunities as both sides were looking to settle into the match.
A few minutes later, both sides had moments where they pushed into dangerous areas, but neither could find an early opening goal.
As the clock neared the half-hour, Chiefs’ defence came under pressure, forced to clear several dangerous balls whipped into the box by the Chilli Boys.
KAMMIES’ SQUANDERED A GLORIOUS CHANCE TO PUNISH CHIEFS
In the 29th minute, Sirgio Kammies squandered a glorious chance to give his side the lead after getting in behind the defence, but Yusuf Maart tracked back to close him down, win the ball, and clear the danger.
On the other hand, Amakhosi found it difficult to inject aggression into their attack, and consequently, there was minimal threat posed to Chippa’s goal.
Wandile Duba unleashed a long-range shot in the 42nd minute, but it posed no problem for Stanley Nwabali, who made an easy save.
A mistake from Dillan Solomons near the end of the first-half presented Aviwe Mqokozo with an opportunity, and the midfielder took a strike from distance but it sailed just inches wide.
At the start of the second-half, coach Nasreddine Nabi made two substitutions, bringing on Lilepo and Njabulo Blom to replace Morris and Solomons.
The second-half saw a more confident Chiefs side emerge, putting the home team under pressure as they pushed forward in search of an opening goal.
Chippa, however, responded by raising their game shortly afterwards, pushing forward in pursuit of a goal, but ultimately lacking a cutting edge in the final third.
In the 83rd minute, Bruce Bvuma made a spectacular save, denying Kammies’ shot which looked destined for goal.
With neither side finding the back of the net, points were shared at the end.
OTHER BETWAY PREMIERSHIP RESULTS
Meanwhile, Marumo Gallants and Golden Arrows played out to a 1-1 draw at the Dr Petrus Molema Stadium in Bloemfontein.
In the other match, Sekhukhune United downed Polokwane City FC 2-0 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
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