Kaizer Chiefs were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Cape Town City at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, a match where they lacked a cutting edge in attack.

Chiefs will rue missed opportunities, particularly Mdu Shabalala’s chance before halftime, as they dominated possession but failed to capitalize.

Nasreddine Nabi’s team were seeking revenge after losing to Cape Town City in the reverse fixture in January. That match marked Muhsin Ertugral’s first game in charge of City, with Darwin Gonzalez scoring the decisive goal.

At FNB Stadium, however, Gonzalez failed to replicate that performance, squandering a first-half chance to test Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma on a counter-attack.

Another player who struggled to make an impact was Thulani Serero for City. The 2010/11 Footballer of the Year was substituted before halftime due to a lack of match fitness.

City’s best chance came when Nathan Fasika’s goal-bound header was saved by Bvuma from the corner, and Siphamandla Dondolo’s follow-up he hoofed over the crossbar.

In the 30th minute, Gonzalez, unlike in the reverse fixture, was wasteful, firing wide when he had options to pass across goal or shoot on target.

Amadou Soukouna also had a clear opportunity for City but pushed the ball too far, allowing Given Msimango to block his attempted shot with a sliding tackle.

Dillan Solomons, during a rare Chiefs attack on the right flank, dragged his shot wide after a well-weighted pass from Nkosingiphile Ngcobo.

Chiefs should have scored three minutes before halftime when Shabalala intercepted Fasika’s attempted pass to Lorenzo Gordinho but shot wide with the goal yawning in front of him. Chiefs coach Nabi reacted with visible disbelief on the bench.

Early in the second half, Glody Lilepo, who has impressed since joining in the January transfer window, fired a dipping shot from the edge of the box. City goalkeeper Darren Keet was beaten, but the ball struck the crossbar.

Despite both teams’ efforts, the match ended goalless, marked by missed chances and turnovers.

City are now winless in nine matches across all competitions since their victory over Richards Bay at home in January. Under Ertugral, City have struggled away from home, with only three wins since he took charge coming at home.

Pic courtesy of Andile Xakaza/ Inja Ka Moya Snaps