Kaizer Chiefs were unable to register a fourth successive DStv Premiership victory after playing to a goalless draw at Stellenbosch on Saturday evening.
Erick Mathoho returned to the Chiefs defence as Kgotso Moleko dropped to the bench, While Happy Mashiene was given a start after his impressive came against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in midweek.
Gavin Hunt’s men enjoyed the chances in the early stages, although they were restricted to efforts from distance by Samir Nurkovic and Philani Zulu in the opening 20 minutes.
The man of the moment, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, looked to add his to his goal-tally after skipping past one challenge on the edge of the box before firing just wide in the 35th minute.
There were chances at both ends in the latter stages of the half, as Junior Mendieta should have put Stellies ahead after being teed up in the box but the Argentine scuffed his effort wide of Daniel Akpeyi’s upright before Nurkovic sent his chance just before the halftime break.
Stellenbosch should have taken the lead five minutes after the break but Lelethu Skelem saw his strike brilliantly cleared away by Mathoho before Stanley Dimgba sent a close-range header over the crossbar moments later.
Hunt responded with a triple change for Chiefs after the hour-mark as Njabulo Blom, Leonardo Castro and Kearyn Baccus were introduced for Cardoso, Darryl Matsheke, Daniel Cardoso and Mashiane.
Chiefs had a couple of sights at goal thereafter, but none of them was able to trouble Stellies shot-stopper Lee Langeveldt as frustration began to grow.
With time running out, Nurkovic should have broken the deadlock for Chiefs with eight minutes left on the clock but the Serbian striker steered his header wide of the mark at the far post.
In the end, neither side was able to find the goal to secure maximum points as they both walked away with the share of the spoils.
In Other News – Black Leopards 0 – 3 Chippa United #DStvPrem
Chippa United continue their resurgent run in the DStv Premiership after thrashing ten-man Black Leopards 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Leopards made three changes, as goalkeeper Jonas Mendes, Sibusiso Khumalo and Onyedikachi Ononogbu were all recalled while Chippa also had three alterations, with Ayabulela Konqobe earning a start alongside the return of Chidi Kwem and Gregory Damons. learn more
Source – SoccerLaduma
