Kaizer Chiefs were forced to share the spoils with AmaZulu after playing out to a 0-0 draw in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The Glamour Boys came into this clash occupying eighth place after claiming 14 points from 10 games in the Absa Premiership so far this season.
Meanwhile, Usuthu, who sit 10th in the PSL standings, will be hoping to secure their fourth win in the league at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
AmaZulu came out the better side and produced the first chance of the match after eight minutes when Siyethemba Mnguni tried to slot the ball past Itumeleng Khune, but the Amakhosi shot-stopper did well to deny the midfielder’s goal-scoring opportunity.
Micheal Morton nearly handed his side the lead in the 21st minute when he unleashed a powerful strike at goal, but the midfielder’s volleyed effort flew inches wide of the target.
Amakhosi should’ve been 1-0 ahead five minutes later, but Philani Zulu blazed his effort over the target from 12 yards out.
Khune came to his side’s rescue after 38 minutes when he produced a superb save to deny Phumlani Gumede from close range.
The home side came close to breaking the deadlock just before the half-time interval, but Chiefs youngster Teenage Hadebe stayed calm to clear the ball off the goal-line as the score remained goalless after the first 45 minutes of play.
Usuthu were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 53rd minute after they were awarded a penalty. Rhulani Manzini stepped up, but saw his spot kick saved by Khune.
Mhlengi Cele should’ve given his side the lead after 64 minutes when he unleashed a strike from outside the area, but blazed his effort over the target.
The visiting side had a chance of their own a minute later, but AmaZulu keeper Boalefa Pule did well to keep out Gustavo Paez’s header.
Pule was called to action again in the 79th minute when he produced a good save to deny veteran striker Bernard Parker’s low strike from 18 yards out.
Usuthu were then reduced to 10 men when Phumlani Gumede received his marching orders for his second bookable offence.
Amakhosi pushed forward in search of a winning goal in the closing stages of the match, but could not find the goal that would see them claim all three points, as the match ended 0-0 at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
In other Absa Premiership results:
Free State Stars 1-1 Chippa United
Polokwane City 0-0 Maritzburg United
Platinum Stars 0-0 Bloemfontein Celtic
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix