Kaizer Chiefs held by Sekhukhune United at half-time in Betway Premiership

Kaizer Chiefs were held to a goalless draw by Sekhukhune United at half-time in their Betway Premiership meeting on Tuesday evening, with neither side able to create a clear-cut opportunity in the opening 45 minutes.

The Amakhosi were looking for a response after their disappointing MTN8 exit against Golden Arrows on Sunday. They were also facing a Sekhukhune United side managed by their former coach Cedric Kaze, who has made a strong start to his reign with back-to-back victories.

Kaizer Chiefs began with some attacking intent, particularly through former Cape Town Spurs winger Asanele Velebayi. The player, who missed the weekend defeat, tried to open up the visitors with a delivery from the far side early in the match.

However, Sekhukhune United dealt with the threat firmly and prevented Velebayi from finding a path towards goal.

The pace of the contest then gradually slipped, as both teams struggled to build sustained attacks. Possession changed hands regularly, but neither Kaizer Chiefs nor Sekhukhune United managed to turn their spells on the ball into meaningful chances.

The hosts did apply greater pressure in the closing stages of the first half. As Sekhukhune United dropped deeper, Lebohang Maboe attempted to break the deadlock with a long-range effort.

Goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata was well positioned, though, and made himself equal to the shot to keep the visitors level at the interval.

Sekhukhune United were also forced into a late change before half-time. Vuyo Letlapa went down and required treatment before being taken from the field on a stretcher. He was replaced by Simon Ramabu with one minute of the opening half remaining.

The result left both teams still searching for the breakthrough after a cagey first half.

Confirmed line-ups

Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Solomons, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler, Maboe, Mthethwa, Velebayi, Baartman, Phili, Ighodaro

Substitutes: Leaner, Monyane, Nkgwesa, Moloisane, Ndlovu, Mmodi, Da Silva, Shabalala, Vilakazi

Sekhukhune United: Nsabata, Matsimbi, Letlapa, Cardoso, Khupe, Mashiloane, Mkhize, Khiba, Rammala, Mokoena, Ndlovu

Substitutes: Buthelezi, Mcaba, Mobbie, Ndlozi, Tlaka, Ramabu, Vandala, Mahlangu, Mojela