MARITZBURG AND CHIEFS PLAY OUT GOALLESS DRAW
Kaizer Chiefs winless start to the 2018-19 Absa Premiership season has been stretched to four games following a goalless draw away to 10-man Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Friday evening.
Siphesihle Ndlovu saw red for the Maritzburg in the first-half, but the hosts were able to hold on for their first point of the campaign.
The Team of Choice were dealt a major blow following a cagey start in the driving rain as Ndlovu received his marching orders after 15 minutes. The midfield kingpin sent for an early shower following a nasty challenge on Siyabonga Ngezana.
But despite their man disadvantage, Maritzburg registered the first shot in anger two minutes later through Deolin Mekoa. The attacker pounced on a mistake from Willard Katsande, but failed to convert with a clear view of goal.
Chiefs hit back with chances of their own before the half-hour mark with Khama Billiat squandering a gilt-edged chance for the Glamour Boys. The Zimbabwe international unable to convert as he hit fresh air in stead of the ball with the goal at his mercy.
Billiat was involved once more on 26 minutes as Hendrick Ekstein ultimately rattled his attempt off the woodwork and out of danger, with Richard Ofori well beaten.
The Amakhosi continued to struggle in their attempts to break down a depleted Maritzburg outfit following the break as the rain continued to fall in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Daniel Cardoso took matters into his own hands in the 72nd minute as he fired a shot at goal from range – the defender’s powerful effort looked destined for the back of the net, but ultimately whizzed inches wide.
Siphiwe Tshabalala rose off the bench in the closing stages and came close to finding the back of the net in the 80th minute. Richard Ofori forced into a top save to deny the midfielder; Siyanda Xulu was then in hand to clear the rebound as Maritzburg put their bodies on the line.
Despite a frantic finish to the encounter, Maritzburg were unable to hold on as Chiefs woes in the league continue.
TEAMS
United: Ofori; Sanoka, De Reuck, Xulu, Tlhone, Buchanan (Farmer 78′), Shandu, Ndlovu, Mekoa, Makgalwa (Kunene 65′), Fileccia (Mokate 54′)
Chiefs: Khune; Mphahlele, Ngezana, Cardoso, Ntiya-Ntiya (Tshabalala 76′), Katsande, Mahlasela (Moon 59′), Ntshangase, Ekstein, Billiat, Castro (Parker 87′).
