Kaizer Chiefs were unable to secure a sixth Betway Premiership win on the spin as they were held to a goalless draw by Polokwane City at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Chiefs blow
The result is a blow to Chiefs’ slim hopes of qualifying for next season’s Caf Champions League, and they failed to create enough chances against a gritty City.
The home side probably had the better opportunities on the day, with Chiefs indebted to Brandon Petersen for two fantastic saves.
Chiefs almost scored after 61 seconds, Glody Lilepo skipping down the right wing and sending in a low cross that City’s Manuel Kambala just diverted past his own post.
City’s Bonginkosi Dlamini earned a booking for taking down Thabiso Monyane on the edge of the box in the 17th minute. Lilepo’s free kick was tipped over the bar by Lindokuhle Mathebula.
After that, however, it was the home side who had the better of the opening period. City’s long balls to the likes of Dlamini and Simon Ramabu caused Amakhosi plenty of problems.
In the 18th minute, Dlamini created some space for himself on the edge of the box, but lashed his shot badly off target.
Juan Mutudza then headed narrowly over from a near post corner before Ramabu tested Brandon Petersen with an excellent curling shot from the edge of the box.
Chiefs suffered a blow as defender Aden McCarthy was forced off with a hamstring injury in the 43rd minute, Inacio Miguel coming on in his place.
Mduduzi Shabalala had a couple of opportunities late in the first half but both were far too tamely struck to trouble City.
Chances missed
City threatened first after the break, Petersen doing well to tip Mutudza’s effort over the bar.
For Chiefs, Wandile Duba lashed a shot wide, while Lilepo blazed over after Flavio Da Silva’s initial effort was blocked.
In the 76th minute, another Lilepo free kick clipped the top of Mathebula’s crossbar.
City came on strong in the closing stages and Dlamini wasted a glorious opportunity to win it in the 85th minute, while Miguel then did well to block a shot from City substitute Raymond Daniels.
