SHARE
EZEKIEL PHALANA
IMAGE SOURCED FROM THE CLUB WEBSITE
Kaizer Chiefs maintained their unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season after fighting back to secure a 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Mduduzi Shabalala delivered a moment of brilliance to rescue a point for Amakhosi after Sinoxolo Kwayiba had given Stellenbosch the lead early in the second half. The result leaves Chiefs fourth on the league standings with 14 points from eight matches.
The highly competitive Round 8 encounter saw both sides battle for supremacy in midfield during a tightly contested first half, with neither team able to convert its opportunities into a goal.
Chiefs gradually found their rhythm as the half progressed, with Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba providing attacking threats. Vilakazi produced an impressive individual run in the 14th minute, but his effort was blocked by the Stellenbosch defence.
The visitors came close to opening the scoring in the 21st minute when Kwayiba struck the upright, while Chiefs responded with a promising opportunity in the 30th minute. Duba was played through by Shabalala, but Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens made an important save to keep the scores level.
Despite further attacking efforts, the teams went into the half-time break deadlocked at 0-0.
Stellenbosch wasted little time breaking the deadlock after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Terrence Mashego delivered a diagonal pass across the penalty area, allowing Kwayiba to stretch out a leg and guide the ball into the net to put the visitors ahead.
However, Amakhosi responded with determination, and their persistence paid off in the 58th minute through Shabalala’s outstanding individual effort.
Receiving a pass over the top of the defence, Shabalala took defender Siviwe Nkwali out of the contest before cleverly sliding the ball past Stephens at his near post to restore parity. The finish showcased the midfielder’s composure and creativity, earning Chiefs a valuable equaliser in front of their home supporters.
Both teams subsequently pushed for a decisive goal, but clear-cut opportunities remained limited as the contest entered its closing stages.
Chiefs believed they had a late opportunity to win the match when substitute Ethan Chislett headed Reeve Frosler’s delivery across goal during stoppage time. However, the referee ruled that the ball had struck Stellenbosch defender Adeyanjo Lateef’s leg rather than his hand, and the penalty appeal was dismissed.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw, with Chiefs extending their unbeaten league run while Stellenbosch earned a valuable point away from home.
Although Amakhosi will be disappointed not to have secured maximum points, Shabalala’s equaliser ensured they avoided defeat in a match that demanded patience, resilience and attacking quality.
Kaizer Chiefs will now shift their focus to continental football as they prepare to face Zambia’s Red Arrows at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday afternoon. The match will be the first leg of the second qualifying round of the CAF Confederation Cup, with Chiefs aiming to carry their fighting spirit into their African campaign.