Chiefs Held By AmaZulu After Missed Penalty And Disallowed Goal

Kaizer Chiefs missed crucial opportunities as they were held to a 1-1 draw by AmaZulu in their Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Glamour Boys were left frustrated after Glody Lilepo’s missed penalty and a controversial moment involving Khanyisa Mayo, which denied them a chance to collect all three points.

Missed Chances Cost Chiefs Early On

The match got off to a dramatic start when Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya put Usuthu ahead in the 21st minute. Chiefs responded strongly and were awarded a penalty, but Lilepo saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by AmaZulu goalkeeper Darren Johnson, who dived to his right.

Minutes later, Pule Mmodi’s effort looked destined for the net before Mayo, in an offside position, tapped it in instead of letting the ball roll over the line — resulting in the goal being disallowed.

Shabalala Rescues Chiefs

Amid growing criticism from supporters, Mduduzi Shabalala stepped up for Chiefs in the 32nd minute, smashing the ball into the roof of the net to level matters at 1-1.

The visitors, Usuthu, got their first significant chance of the game in the 20th minute and made the most of it, with Zimbabwean international Ngwenya scoring with a well-taken header that sent Brandon Peterson in the wrong direction.

Chiefs were awarded a penalty in the 29th minute after Riaan Hanamub committed a handball inside the 18-yard box. However, Lilepo’s effort was denied by AmaZulu goalkeeper Johnson, who made an impressive save. Just three minutes later, Chiefs’ youngster Shabalala scored an equalizer, assisted by Pule Mmodi.

In the second half, Amakhosi continued to create chances, particularly in the opening 15 minutes, but failed to convert them into goals. They were awarded a free kick near the 18-yard box, but Lilepo’s shot was poor.

AmaZulu nearly scored their second goal in the 68th minute through captain Hanamub, whose shot hit the outside of the net following a great cross from Athini Maqoko.

In search of the winning goal, Chiefs made their first substitutions in the 75th minute, introducing Thabo Cele, Gaston Sirino, and Flavio Da Silva. Despite creating more chances, especially in the final minutes of the game, Amakhosi couldn’t find the back of the net.

The draw sees Amakhosi sitting in fifth position with 15 points from eight games, while Usuthu remained ninth with 11 points after seven matches.

Both teams will now take a break from league action to focus on their Carling Knockout round of 16 match against Stellenbosch at DHL Stadium on Sunday, while Usuthu will host Magesi at the FNB Stadium on the same day.