Kaizer Chiefs pay the price as costly and dramatic mistakes deny them victory over AmaZulu 

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Kaizer Chiefs pay the price as costly and dramatic mistakes deny them victory over AmaZulu 
Image - Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs missed a chance to move to third place on the PSL table following dramatic moments in their match against AmaZulu, which saw them play out a 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

Chiefs welcomed their former coach Arthur Zwane at the FNB Stadium looking for three points that would have lifted them to third place on the log and had the opportunities to get them but shot themselves in the foot.

AmaZulu were the first to score when Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya gave them a 21st-minute lead after heading in at the near post. Andiswa Sithole displayed tenacity and got into the Chiefs box, bringing in a cross from a tight angle, and Ngwenya headed in at the near post to beat Brandon Petersen.

Chiefs shoot themselves in the foot

Sibongiseni Mthethwa playing against AmaZulu
Image – Chiefs

Seven minutes later, Chiefs had a chance to take the lead through a controversial call when the referee pointed to the spot for a handball on Taariq Fielies. However, replays suggested the defender should not have been penalized as the ball came off his chest first but even after protests, the penalty stood.

However, there was justice for Usuthu as Glody Lilepo stepped up and took a tame low shot that was saved by Darren Johnson in the AmaZulu goal.

Chiefs would respond three minutes later when against the run of play, Pule Mmodi teed up Mduduzi Shabalala, the young forward getting the ball on his right foot before curling in a beautiful goal into the top corner.

Mayo denies Mmodi winning goal

Amakhosi were relentless after this but Johnson, who had denied Lilepo earlier even before the penalty, stood tall. In the 37th minute, the Usuthu goalkeeper pulled off a spectacular save when he dived low to keep out Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s well-taken shot.

Glody Lilepo shoots the ball against AmaZulu.

However, Chiefs should have scored on the stroke of halftime were it not for some dramatic moment. Mmodi got into the box, beat Johnson and saw his effort roll into the net but Khanyisa Mayo, who was coming from an offside position, followed it up and got a touch, only to be flagged offside.

That is how Chiefs missed an opportunity to win the game as they would batter AmaZulu in the second half with Lilepo, Mayo and Mmodi missing good chances, ending up in fifth place on the log with 15 points, failing to get into the top three.

Chiefs are now six points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns but they have two games in hand over the PSL champions.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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