Ben Youssef Frustrated After Missed Chances Against AmaZulu
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef admitted his disappointment as the Glamour Boys dropped two crucial points in a draw with AmaZulu in their Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Soweto giants created several golden opportunities in the first half but failed to take advantage, missing a penalty and having a goal disallowed before eventually rescuing a point.
Chiefs Waste Big Chances in the First Half
AmaZulu took the lead in the 21st minute through Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, punishing Chiefs for a lapse in concentration. Moments later, Chiefs were handed a lifeline when Glody Lilepo stepped up to take a penalty, but Darren Johnson dived to his right to deny him.
Just minutes after that, Pule Mmodi’s effort looked destined to roll into the back of the net, but Khanyisa Mayo tapped the ball in from an offside position, ruling the goal out.
Chiefs eventually found the equalizer in the 32nd minute when Mduduzi Shabalala fired a powerful strike into the roof of the net, silencing some of his critics after recent below-par displays.
The second half, however, fizzled out with both teams struggling to create decisive chances, leaving the points shared.
Ben Youssef: “We Deserved the Win”
Speaking after the game, Ben Youssef admitted frustration with the result despite praising his team’s performance.
“We created at least four chances in the first 30 minutes. Then we conceded a goal because of a small detail, just one second of lost focus. Football is about details,” said Ben Youssef on SuperSport TV.
“It’s very tough mentally when you miss a penalty, but the players kept fighting. Shabalala scored, and we had another chance when Mayo touched the ball but was offside. In the second half, I think we deserved to win. I’m happy with the performance, but not the result. The wins will come with time.”
Chiefs’ Penalty Struggles Continue
The draw highlighted Chiefs’ recent struggles from the penalty spot, with two missed penalties in back-to-back matches — Lilepo against AmaZulu and Gaston Sirino against Marumo Gallants.
Ben Youssef, however, defended his players:
“Sirino scored in the final of the Nedbank Cup. With penalties, it’s always 50-50. We must also congratulate the goalkeeper. We just need to keep working and stay focused.”
