Shabalala’s Stunner Rescues Point For Chiefs Against Tenacious Stellenbosch
Kaizer Chiefs failed to return to winning ways after playing out a 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC in their Betway Premiership encounter at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Amakhosi returned to action following a two-week break for the FIFA international window, hoping to end their run of draws and secure their first victory since beating Siwelele on 6 September. Chiefs had drawn their previous two league matches against Polokwane City and Golden Arrows and were eager to collect maximum points in front of their home supporters.
Chiefs started the match on the front foot and created their first clear-cut opportunity in the 30th minute when Wandile Duba latched onto a through ball from Mfundo Vilakazi. Duba unleashed a shot on goal, but Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.
The match continued at a high tempo, with both sides battling to gain control and create scoring opportunities. However, neither team managed to find the back of the net before the referee blew the whistle for half-time, with the score remaining 0-0.
Stellenbosch came out strongly after the restart, and their positive approach paid off just two minutes into the second half. In the 47th minute, Sinoxolo Kwayiba broke the deadlock with a right-footed effort from the centre of the box that found the top-right corner of the net. Terrence Mashego provided the assist as the visitors took a 1-0 lead.
The early setback did not discourage Amakhosi, who responded positively and continued to push forward in search of an equaliser.
Chiefs’ efforts were rewarded in the 58th minute when Mduduzi Shabalala restored parity with a right-footed finish from the centre of the box, guiding the ball into the bottom-left corner. Reeve Frosler provided the assist with an excellent long pass from his own half to set up the goal.
With the scores level, Chiefs maintained their attacking intensity and continued to search for a winning goal.
In the 80th minute, Asanele Velebayi came close to putting Amakhosi ahead with a left-footed effort from the left side of the box. However, Stephens was well positioned to make another important save and deny the hosts.
Chiefs continued to push for a late winner and created another opportunity in the 86th minute. Thabo Moloisane rose to meet a cross with a header from the centre of the box, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar as Stellenbosch survived another scare.
Neither side managed to find the decisive goal in the closing stages, and the match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.
The result leaves Chiefs fourth in the Betway Premiership standings with 14 points, while their number of draws increases to five. Despite their efforts to return to winning ways after the international break, Amakhosi were once again unable to secure all three points.
The Phefeni Glamour Boys will now turn their attention to continental competition as they prepare for the CAF Confederation Cup.
Chiefs are scheduled to face Zambian side Red Arrows in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie on Saturday in Zambia. Amakhosi will be hoping to put the league result behind them and secure a positive outcome to take into the return fixture.
