Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, a game that saw AmaZulu co-coach Arthur Zwane face his former club for the first time.

AmaZulu were the architects of their own misfortune, with both Chiefs goals stemming from errors by Usuthu, though Chiefs’ persistence also played a role. AmaZulu goalkeeper Richard Ofori had a shaky performance, particularly on Chiefs’ second goal, which he inadvertently pushed into his own net.

AmaZulu were under pressure from the opening minute, with Ofori forced into two quick saves to deny Yusuf Maart and Glody Makabi Lilepo, who was making his first start for Chiefs. Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi also gave first starts to new signing Tashreeq Morris from SuperSport United and Thabo Cele. Cele and Lilepo both came off the bench in Chiefs’ previous match, a loss to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby at the same venue on Saturday.

The match was a special occasion for Zwane, who made 252 appearances, scored 32 goals, and won 12 trophies during his time with Chiefs. He left Chiefs in October to co-coach AmaZulu with Vusi Vilakazi. When they took over, Usuthu were at the bottom of the table with zero points after three consecutive losses.  

Chiefs continued to threaten, with Mduduzi Shabalala’s shot going wide in the seventh minute. Chiefs looked dangerous down the right flank, where Reeve Frosler and Lilepo were combining effectively. In the 18th minute, their pressure paid off when Frosler’s cross was deflected into the net by Ramahlwe Mphahlele. Morris, however, claimed the goal, stating that he got the first touch.

AmaZulu responded quickly. In the 22nd minute, Rowan Human, who scored and assisted in Usuthu’s 2-1 win over SuperSport United, set up Tshepang Moremi, who finished calmly past Bruce Bvuma.

Morris fired another shot off target before halftime, which ended with the score at 1-1.

At halftime, Nabi brought on Sibongiseni Mthethwa for Shabalala, a tactical change.

Just after the hour mark, Elmo Kambindu’s glancing header from a Human corner gave AmaZulu the lead. It was Kambindu’s first goal since May of last year and his first of the season.

Three minutes later, Chiefs equalized. Lilepo’s header was deflected by Ofori into his own net to make 2-2. Moments earlier, Frosler had hit the crossbar, and Pule Mmodi should have scored but shot wide.

Moremi almost restored AmaZulu’s lead, his shot hitting the post. The game became end-to-end, with Kambindu failing to capitalize on a cross from Wayde Jooste, and Lilepo’s shot being cleared off the line.

Both teams had chances to win the game, but neither could convert. Chiefs will likely be more disappointed with the draw, given the number of opportunities they created.

Other Tuesday’s results:

Magesi FC 1-1 Chippa United (match abandoned due to power failure and the game will resume on Wednesday)

Richards Bay 2-1 Marumo Gallants

Pic courtesy of Sandile Xakaza/Inja ka Moya Snaps