Petersen blunders again as Kaizer Chiefs drop points at Richards Bay

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Petersen blunders again as Kaizer Chiefs drop points at Richards Bay
Lebohang Maboe of Kaizer Chiefs playing for Kaizer Chiefs against Richards Bay. Photo - Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs dropped two points behind Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns following a 2-2 draw away to Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday.

Chiefs had to come from a goal down twice to get a share of the spoils following two defensive mistakes that had let them down in the first half.

Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs playing against Richards Bay.
Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs playing against Richards Bay. Image: SuperSport

At a rain-soaked Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Chiefs struggled with the wet and slippery conditions and it was from it that they conceded the first goal that came after a howler from goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.

After just eight minutes, Thabo Moloisane passed back to Petersen and the Chiefs goalkeeper, who was not under pressure, somehow failed to clear the ball before Nqaba Xulu took advantage and robbed him, before getting an easy tap in.

Kaizer Chiefs’ errors prove costly

It was another error that will turn the spotlight on the Chiefs goalkeeper, who was the club’s most impressive player last season.

Chiefs took eight minutes to find the equaliser. A great counter attacking move that saw the Glamour Boys get into the Richards Bay box yielded a penalty after Mfundo Vilakazi was brought down.

Lebohang Maboe stepped up and slammed the ball past Richards Bay’s Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno for 1-1.

Kaizer Chiefs playing against Richards Bay.
Kaizer Chiefs playing against Richards Bay. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Both teams then went for each other’s jugular but there were no goals until the 39th minute when the Natal Rich Boyz extended their lead.

From a corner, Xulu rose highest and won the ball at the back post before directing it into the bottom corner and beyond a diving Petersen for 2-1, a deserved lead for the home side.

Amakhosi fightback to share spoils

Richards Bay came into the second half looking to protect their lead as they employed a cautious approach while Chiefs went all-attack with coach Fernando da Cruz bringing on Dillan Solomons, Faiz Abrahams and Wandile Duba in a bid to get a tune out of his team.

Kaizer Chiefs facing Richards Bay.
Kaizer Chiefs facing Richards Bay. Photo – Kaizer Chiefs

That was just past the hour mark and with 15 minutes left, Asanele Velebayi and Etiosa Ighodaro came on for Luke Baartman and Pule Mmodi.

It took Velebayi just one minute to make an impact as Chiefs went on a swift counter attacking run before he found Siphesihle Ndlovu with a sweet pass, the midfielder sweeping home beautifully for 2-2 in the 77th minute.

That is how it ended as Chiefs dropped two points, which sees them slip to third place with eight points from four games, two behind leaders Pirates and Sundowns.

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

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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