CAPE TOWN – Kaizer Chiefs salvaged a priceless DStv Premiership log point from their 1-all stalemate against Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium, Pietermaritzburg, on Wednesday evening.
Chiefs snatched a late goal through Lebogang Manyama, two minutes from the end of regulation time.
Maritzburg dominated first-half play, and this was reflected by the 9-1 shots-on-goal count at halftime.
However, they only managed one first-half goal in the 15th minute and left possibly two more out on the field. The scorer was an unmarked Thabiso Kutumela, who latched on to a goalmouth cross from his striking partner Venezuelan Jose Ali Meza.
The goal emerged after Chiefs’ defence were caught out of position when Maritzburg waged a telling counter-attack down their right flank.
Moments later, Chiefs had a let-off when striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane steered his header attempt over the crossbar. At the time, Chiefs' defence were ball watching when Bandile Shandu laid on an inch-perfect cross into the striking zone.
Chiefs managed their first shot on goal, five minutes ahead of the break.
When second-half play resumed, Chiefs came close to scoring and forced two corners in the opening four minutes. Nothing came of the set-pieces, which included a close-in free-kick during this hectic passage of play.
Meanwhile, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, visiting Stellenbosch (Stanley Dimgba, Ashley du Preez, Phathutshedzo Nange) won 3-1 against Baroka (Kgodiso Monama).
At the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, Tshakhuma FC (Alfred Ndengane) went down 2-1 to Golden Arrows (Knox Mutizwa, Siboniso Conco).
At the Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, TS Galaxy (Marks Munyai, Masilake Phohlongo, Tebogo Modiba – own goal) won 3-1 against Black Leopards (Themba Ndlovu).
IOL Sport