Kaizer Chiefs are still without a victory in the 2018-19 Absa Premiership after being held to a 1-1 draw against Baroka in a game characterised by Daniel Cardoso’s own-goal, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
Giovanni Solinas’ side has not enjoyed a good start to the league campaign after a 1-1 with Highlands and a 3-1 defeat to Bidvest Wits in their first two league games.
Amakhosi are however on the back of a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Free State Stars in the MTN8 quarter-finals with marquee signing Khama Billiat opening his account for the club.
Bakgaga kicked their campaign off with a 1-0 loss to AmaZulu, but secured an impressive 2-1 victory against Benni McCarthy’s Cape Town City outfit.
The visitors started the brighter of the two teams and looked lively through the attacking trio of Siphelele Ntshangase, Billiat and Leonardo Castro.
Baroka came agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the 12th minute when Mduduzi Mdantsane let rip from distance, but his effort went narrowly wide of the target.
Chiefs should have been ahead in the 25th minute when Siphiwe Tshabalala’s deft touch put Casto through on goal with the Colombian producing a fine finish, however, he was judged to have been in an offside position.
The home side took the lead in comical fashion when a mixup in communication between goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and Cardoso led to the latter heading the ball into the back of his own net.
Chiefs equilised minutes later when Tshabalala’s well-struck freekick sneaked in at the nearpost.
The two sides went into the half-time break deadlocked at 1-1.
Chiefs upped their tempo in search of the lead in the second stanza, however, they appeared more disjointed in the final third with Gustavo Paez particularly looking out-of-sorts.
The home side grew in confidence as the match went on and should have restored their lead when some excellent interplay saw the ball land for Ranga Chivaviro, however, the forward’s goalbound effort was blocked by Cardoso.
Solinas made his first change in the 64th minute when Bhongolwethu Jayiya replaced Paez.
Chiefs blew hot and cold during the final quarter of the game, with the home side looking more likely to score.
In the end, the two sides were forced to settle for a point each as Chiefs continue their search for their first PSL victory of the 2018-19 campaign.
Photo: Backpagepix
