By Michael Madyira
Kaizer Chiefs surrendered an early lead for a 1-1 Premier Soccer League draw with AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium but still managed to boost their chances of participating in the MTN8 next season.
It took just two minutes for Ashley du Preez to thrust Amakhosi ahead but Victor Letsoalo made it one apiece for the two sides six minutes before the halftime break.
After sliding down to position nine on the table on Saturday, Chiefs scrambled for a point to return into the top eight and would now want to consolidate an MTN8 spot by avoiding defeat in their past two league games.
But their opponents Usuthu are still flirting with playing in the promotion/relegation play-offs as they have six points better than 15th-placed Richards Bay.
Amakhosi arrived at Moses Mabhida Stadium without suspended goalkeeper Brandon Petersen as well as defenders Edmilson Dove and Given Msimango.
Right-backs Dillan Solomons and Reeve Frosler were also unavailable for Amakhosi but due to injuries.
Hosts AmaZulu were without Ivorian forward Junior Dion who was suspended.
It was a promising start to the match by the Soweto giants when Du Preez intercepted a Wayde Jooste back pass and beat the home side’s goalkeeper Veli Mothwa.
Sifiso Hlanti nearly made it 2-0 for Chiefs but his 20th-minute freekick drew a fine save from Mothwa.
The evening almost became an unpleasant one for Usuthu who lost experienced defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele on 28 minutes due to injury and he was replaced by Mbongeni Gumede.
Mduduzi Shabalala then hit the upright with 10 minutes to halftime.
But an unmarked Letsoalo levelled up for Usuthu headed in an Augustine Mulenga cross but appeared to have scored from an offside position.
Usuthu thought they deserved a penalty towards the end of the match after what looked like a handball by Zitha Kwinika but the referee waved play-on.
Mothwa was to make two brilliant saves in quick succession denying Chiefs substitute Christian Saile Basomboli and Du Preez right at the death.
Pictured above: Kaizer Chiefs’ Njabulo Ngcobo in an areal challenge against AmaZulu’s Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Wayde Jooste
Image source: Kaizer Chiefs
