Kaizer Chiefs once again left their supporters frustrated after a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership on Saturday evening. Despite controlling the match and creating several chances, Amakhosi had to settle for a single point, and much of the anger from fans was directed at new signing Khanyisa Mayo, who interfered with what should have been a certain Pule Modi goal.
At the final whistle, Chiefs players slumped on the pitch, their disappointment mirrored by fans in the stands who had expected nothing less than victory.
AmaZulu Strike First Against the Run of Play
Chiefs began brightly, with Glody Lilepo and Ashley du Preez threatening the AmaZulu defence. But defensive indecision proved costly in the 21st minute. Inacio Miguel failed to clear properly, allowing Andiswa Sithole to deliver a cross into the danger area. Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen appeared set to collect, but Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya reacted first, heading home to give Usuthu a shock lead.
Arthur Zwane’s bench erupted in celebration, while Chiefs were left stunned after conceding from virtually nothing.
Shabalala Restores Parity
Amakhosi pushed forward with urgency and were handed a lifeline when Riaan Hanamub was penalised for handball in the box. Although replays showed the ball might have deflected off his body first, the referee pointed to the spot. Lilepo stepped up, but his tame strike was easily saved by Darren Johnson, sparking wild celebrations from the AmaZulu goalkeeper.
Chiefs, however, equalised moments later. Mduduzi Shabalala produced a composed finish in the 32nd minute to restore parity. The goal lifted the home crowd, and from that point, it seemed only a matter of time before Chiefs took control.
Also read: Khanyisa Mayo’s Debut Goal Not Enough as Kaizer Chiefs Held by 1-1 Draw
The Turning Point: Mayo’s Costly Touch
Just before half-time, Chiefs thought they had their reward. Pule Modi beat Johnson with a clever finish, the ball rolling goalwards for what looked like a certain goal. But Mayo, in an inexplicable moment, touched it over the line, only to be flagged offside. The goal was chalked off, leaving Modi dejected and Mayo red-faced.
The incident immediately sparked fury among supporters. Many believed that had the goal stood, Chiefs would have gone into the break 2-1 up, giving them control of the match. Instead, the score remained level, and AmaZulu survived.
End-to-End Second Half Ends in Stalemate
The second half saw chances for both sides, but no decisive breakthrough. Chiefs pressed relentlessly, with du Preez and Shabalala creating half-chances, while AmaZulu sought joy on the counter. Brandon Petersen was called into action late on to deny Usuthu, but it was Chiefs who looked the more frustrated side as the final whistle confirmed a 1-1 stalemate.
Fans Lash Out at Mayo
After the match, frustration turned into fury. Fans inside the stadium booed as Mayo walked off the pitch, and social media exploded with criticism. Many questioned his decision-making, saying he had “robbed” Chiefs of victory. Some even suggested the forward is yet to justify his place in the team, with supporters calling for him to step up in big moments.
Amakhosi’s Growing Concerns
For Chiefs, the result was another example of dominance without reward. Matches they should be winning are slipping away due to lapses in concentration, missed chances, and costly errors. With rivals pushing forward in the league, Amakhosi’s inconsistency is becoming a serious obstacle in their quest for the Premiership title.
As pressure builds, both on the players and the technical team, Mayo’s name has quickly become a symbol of frustration among the Amakhosi faithful. Unless Chiefs find a ruthless edge in front of goal, more points will be dropped, and the title race could soon slip away.
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