Chiefs and AmaZulu Battle to An Exciting Draw
In an exciting Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu settled for a thrilling 2-2 draw, marking the first time AmaZulu co-coach Arthur Zwane faced his former team.
AmaZulu contributed to their own woes, as both goals from Chiefs were the result of mistakes from Usuthu, though Chiefs’ determination also played its part. The performance of AmaZulu goalkeeper Richard Ofori was notably unstable, particularly on Chiefs’ second goal, which he accidentally deflected into his own net.
From the very first minute, AmaZulu was under pressure, with Ofori needing to make two quick saves to stop attempts from Yusuf Maart and Glody Makabi Lilepo, who was making his debut start for Chiefs. Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi also handed starting roles to new recruit Tashreeq Morris from SuperSport United and Thabo Cele. Both Cele and Lilepo had come on as substitutes in Chiefs’ previous match, a defeat to Orlando Pirates during the Soweto Derby at the same venue just last Saturday.
This match was particularly meaningful for Zwane, who had made 252 appearances, netted 32 goals, and secured 12 trophies while with Chiefs. He departed Chiefs in October to take up the co-coaching role at AmaZulu alongside Vusi Vilakazi. At the time of their appointment, Usuthu was languishing at the bottom of the standings with no points after three straight defeats.
Chiefs kept piling on the pressure, with Mduduzi Shabalala missing the target with a shot in the seventh minute. Their attacks were particularly threatening down the right side, where Reeve Frosler and Lilepo complemented each other effectively. In the 18th minute, their efforts were rewarded as Frosler’s cross deflected into the net off Ramahlwe Mphahlele. However, Morris claimed credit for the goal, asserting he had gotten the first touch.
AmaZulu quickly responded. In the 22nd minute, Rowan Human, who had scored and assisted during Usuthu’s 2-1 victory against SuperSport United, set up Tshepang Moremi, who calmly placed the ball past Bruce Bvuma.
Before halftime, Morris missed another opportunity off target, leading to a 1-1 score at the break.
During the halftime interval, Nabi made a tactical substitution, bringing in Sibongiseni Mthethwa for Shabalala.
Shortly after the hour mark, Elmo Kambindu’s glancing header from a Human corner kick gave AmaZulu a brief lead. This marked Kambindu’s first goal since May of last year and his first of the current season.
Three minutes later, Chiefs equalized. Lilepo’s header was redirected into his own net by Ofori, leveling the score at 2-2. Just moments prior, Frosler had struck the crossbar, and Pule Mmodi should have netted but missed wide.
Moremi came close to restoring AmaZulu’s advantage, hitting the post with his shot. The match turned into a back-and-forth exchange, with Kambindu not able to take advantage of a cross from Wayde Jooste, and Lilepo having his attempt cleared off the line.
Both sides had chances to secure the win, but neither could find the back of the net. Chiefs might feel more frustrated with the draw given the multitude of opportunities they had.
Other results from Tuesday:
Magesi FC 1-1 Chippa United (match abandoned due to power failure; to be replayed on Wednesday)
Richards Bay 2-1 Marumo Gallants
Image credit: Sandile Xakaza/Inja ka Moya Snaps