Kaizer Chiefs held by Golden Arrows at half-time after costly missed chances

Kaizer Chiefs were held to a goalless draw by Golden Arrows at half-time in their MTN8 meeting at FNB Stadium on 9 August 2026, despite creating several clear opportunities.

The home side came closest to breaking the deadlock through Luke Baartman, Ngcobo and Wandile Duba, but Golden Arrows goalkeeper Edward Maova produced important saves while Chiefs’ finishing let them down.

Fernando da Cruz made two changes to the side that beat Kruger United last weekend. Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko was handed his official debut for the Soweto club after missing that victory, while Duba was rewarded for his impact as a substitute in the opening match by being named in the starting XI.

Chiefs began with a similar approach to last week’s game, using Baartman and Mfundo Vilakazi to attack from opposite flanks. Baartman found space on the right in the 14th minute and created the first major chance of the match, but Maova reacted well to deny him.

The forward continued to cause problems as the half developed and was involved in Chiefs’ best opportunity before the half-hour mark. Baartman delivered the ball into the six-yard area for Ngcobo, who had only Maova to beat, but he lifted his shot over the crossbar.

Golden Arrows offered considerably more resistance than Kruger United had done in the previous match. The visitors tested Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen with several powerful attempts from distance, although they were unable to make the most of their opportunities inside the penalty area.

Chiefs had another excellent chance before the interval when Duba set up Ngcobo in a position similar to the earlier opening. This time, Ngcobo’s effort went directly at Maova. Baartman struck the rebound into the side-netting, leaving Da Cruz frustrated that his team had not gone into the dressing room ahead.

Kaizer Chiefs: 1. Petersen, 2. Monyane, 4. Kwinika, 84. Miguel, 39. Frosler, 6. Maboe, 22. Mtasingwa, 12. Ngcobo, 11. Baartman, 28. Vilakazi, 47. Duba.

Substitutes: 16. Leaner, 18. Solomons, 38. Nkgwesa, 42. Moloisane, 5. Mthethwa, 8. Ndlovu, 7. Shabalala, 9. Ighodaro, Phili.

Golden Arrows: 34. Maova, 4. Jiyane, 24. Dlamini, 38. Mabaso, 28. Van Neel, 3. Shezi, 30. Cele, 25. Maxwele, 18. Dion, 36. Khumalo, 41. Zwane.

Substitutes: 27. Mbanjwa, 49. Gasa, 35. Mantshiyane, 17. Khumalo, 29. Sithole, 44. Mbatha, 22. Karelse, 14. Van Rooi, 45. Rakosa.