Kaizer Chiefs were left ruing missed chances as they stumbled to a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu in a match where the scoreline told only part of the story. At full-time, Chiefs players slumped on the turf, their disappointment matched by thousands of supporters in the stands who had expected a win. Despite dominating possession and carving out clear opportunities, Amakhosi were forced to settle for a single point at FNB Stadium.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ngwenya Strikes First for AmaZulu
For all their early intent, Chiefs found themselves chasing the game after a lapse in concentration at the back. Inacio Miguel’s half-clearance failed to relieve the danger, allowing Andiswa Sithole to whip in a cross from the left. Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen appeared set to claim it, but Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya reacted quicker, nodding home to hand AmaZulu a surprise lead in the 21st minute. The strike sent the Usuthu bench into raptures and left Chiefs shell-shocked.
Shabalala Levels from the Spot
Amakhosi responded with urgency, and their persistence soon paid off. Just past the half-hour mark, Riaan Hanamub was penalised for a handball in the box — though replays suggested the ball deflected off his body before brushing his arm. Glody Lilepo stepped up to take the penalty, but his weak attempt was easily stopped by Darren Johnson, who celebrated as though justice had been served. Chiefs didn’t have to wait long to equalise, however. Two minutes later, Mduduzi Shabalala finished neatly from the left to bring his side back on level terms, sending the home crowd into relief.
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs Assistant Acknowledges They Suffered Despite Win Over Stellenbosch
Mayo’s Costly Interference
The match’s biggest talking point came moments before half-time. Pule Modi had ghosted into space and produced a clever finish that beat Johnson, with the ball rolling goalwards. But before it could cross the line, Khanyisa Mayo intervened with an unnecessary touch. The linesman’s flag was raised immediately, ruling him offside and cancelling out what would have been Chiefs’ second goal. Instead of going into the break with momentum and a lead, Amakhosi were left fuming. Mayo, looking sheepish, drew the ire of his teammates and the frustration of fans who had already begun venting on social media.
Missed Opportunities Define the Second Half
The second half delivered end-to-end action, but neither side found a breakthrough. Chiefs pushed numbers forward, with Ashley du Preez and Lilepo continuing to test Johnson, while AmaZulu sought to hit on the counter. Yet composure in the final third deserted both teams, leaving the game finely poised until the closing whistle. Chiefs, however, knew they had let victory slip through their fingers.
Fans Turn on New Signing
Much of the post-match anger was directed at Mayo, whose ill-judged decision robbed Chiefs of what seemed a certain goal. Supporters voiced their displeasure both inside the stadium and online, questioning the forward’s awareness and contribution since his arrival. Many insisted that Modi’s goal would have sealed all three points and possibly changed the complexion of the season. Instead, Amakhosi’s title ambitions took another dent, with frustration mounting over their inability to turn dominance into victory.
@moflavadj – Mayo’s foolish and selfish behaviour cost us big time. Demoralising his team mates because he wants headlines. Lilepo never thinks. He just never thinks. Poor decision making more often than not. Tjo.
@_IamHarold – The kind of Greed they talked about in the Bible
@soyiso_maliti – Cat Matlala type greed.
Growing Pressure on Amakhosi
For Chiefs, the result was more than just two points dropped — it was another reminder of their inconsistency. Matches they control continue to slip away, either through defensive errors or missed chances. With rivals picking up crucial wins, Amakhosi cannot afford to keep stumbling if they hope to challenge for the Betway Premiership crown. As the players walked off to a chorus of boos, it was clear that patience among supporters is wearing thin, with Mayo now firmly in the spotlight.
Related article: Pressure Mounts on Kaizer Chiefs’ Bench as Masilela Sounds Alarm
