Kaizer Chiefs held by Polokwane City as top-two chance slips away

Kaizer Chiefs missed the chance to move into second place in the Betway Premiership after being held to a 1-1 draw by Polokwane City at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

Lebohang Maboe put Chiefs ahead in the 29th minute, but Giovanni Philander equalised for Polokwane City 16 minutes from time.

The result, combined with the outcome of the AmaZulu and Marumo Gallants match, leaves Chiefs fourth in the table with 12 points from six matches. Polokwane City, also known as Rise and Shine, climbed to seventh with six points from six games.

City were the more threatening side early on but failed to convert their opportunities. They won a corner in the ninth minute, with Keoraperse Sebone delivering into the penalty area for captain Lebohang Nkaki, who headed wide.

Polokwane City continued to apply pressure and were denied twice in quick succession by Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen. He first kept out an attempt from Manuel Kambala before saving Sebone’s effort on the goal line in the 19th minute.

The home side were made to pay for those misses when Siphesihle Ndlovu created the opening for Maboe, who finished to score his second goal of the season.

Chiefs had chances to extend their advantage before the interval, but their finishing lacked the quality required to add to the score.

Polokwane City made one change at half-time, sending on Philander for Sebone. Kaizer Chiefs returned for the second half without altering their line-up.

Bradley Cross missed an opportunity in the opening minute of the second period when he shot wide. Etiosa Ighodaro then failed to take advantage of another chance.

Shortly before the hour mark, Maboe delivered a dangerous ball into the box for Ighodaro, but the Nigeria international failed to make contact with his head when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Polokwane City continued to search for an equaliser, and Bonginkosi Dlamini forced Petersen into another save in the 66th minute.

The breakthrough arrived seven minutes later when Philander scored directly from a corner to make it 1-1. Kambala nearly completed the turnaround for the home side moments afterwards, but could not find the winning goal.

There was further controversy in injury time when it appeared that Pule Mmodi had been brought down inside the penalty area. Chiefs pressed for a late winner, while substitute Faiz Abrahams also came close, but neither side could find a decisive second goal.