Daniel Akpeyi was the hero after saving a late penalty from Bradley Grobler as Kaizer Chiefs were denied a third straight Absa Premiership victory on Saturday evening.
Khama Billiat made a return to the Chiefs line-up for the first time this season as Leonardo Castro dropped to the bench, while Itumeleng Khune was named on the bench. SuperSport, meanwhile, opted to leave last week’s two-goal hero Thamsanqa Gabuza on the bench.
While all eyes were on Billiat, it was Samir Nurkovic who got the breakthrough after 14 minutes as his cross took a wicked deflection off Grant Kekana and sailed over Ronwen Williams.
Not to be outdone, SuperSport went in search of an equaliser and went agonisingly close on 25 minutes as Kekana’s towering header crashed against the upright with Daniel Akpeyi beaten.
While Kaitano Tembo’s charges continued to dictate the encounter, the AmaKhosi remained resolute at the back, with Erick Mathoho and Daniel Cardoso marshalling the defence.
While Bradley Grobler continued to struggle against Mathoho and Cardoso, Tembo eventually introduced Gabuza for Sipho Mbule ten minutes into the second half.
SuperSport enjoyed most of the possession in the second half, but they nearly conceded a second goal after 68 minutes when Nurkovic turned provider to play in Billiat, who pulled his strike inches wide of the upright.
Chiefs were then dealt a blow in the final 10 minutes when the in-form Mathoho was stretchered with an injury. He was replaced by Lorenzo Gordinho.
Mathoho’s absence was certainly felt as SuperSport levelled matters with six minutes remaining through Grobler’s close-range finish.
SuperSport were afforded the chance to win the game with the last kick of the game after being awarded a penalty, however, Akpeyi stood tall and saved Grobler’s spot-kick as the encounter ended all square.
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Source – SoccerLaduma
