Kaizer Chiefs held to goalless draw by Golden Arrows

Kaizer Chiefs were held to a goalless draw by Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday, extending their run as one of the league’s leading draw specialists.

The result was Chiefs’ fourth draw of the season, while Golden Arrows recorded their fifth league stalemate.

Renaldo Leaner made his debut in goal for Chiefs after joining from Sekhukhune United before the start of the season. He was brought into the side after captain Brandon Petersen, who had faced criticism for a series of costly errors, was ruled out for at least four weeks with a knee injury.

Leaner was tested within the opening nine minutes and responded with an excellent reflex save. Junior Dion had met a fine cross from Philani Khumalo with an acrobatic volley, but the Chiefs goalkeeper reacted quickly to keep the effort out.

Dion came close again in the 21st minute but was unable to reach Sithole’s precisely delivered cross.

Chiefs were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute after Golden Arrows defender Ntandoyenkosi Mabasa tripped Faiz Abraham. However, Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa produced a superb one-handed save to keep out Lebohang Maboe’s attempt from 12 yards.

Maboe was unable to continue after suffering what appeared to be a hamstring strain early in the second half. He was carried from the field on a stretcher, with Adolf Mtasingwa coming on in his place.

Despite making more entries into the penalty area before the interval, Chiefs struggled to create clear openings beyond the missed spot-kick.

Pule Mmodi and Abraham caused problems from the wide areas, but Chiefs lacked a recognised target inside the box. That left the pair holding on to possession for too long as they waited for support, allowing Golden Arrows to dispossess them on several occasions.

Chiefs introduced a more traditional forward when Godspower Ighodaro came on midway through the second half, but clear chances remained scarce.

Instead, Golden Arrows finished the match with the better opportunities. Their best chance fell to Thokozani Khumalo in the 90th minute, but he missed from close range when it appeared easier to score.

Neither side could find a breakthrough, leaving Chiefs with another draw and Golden Arrows with their fifth league stalemate of the campaign.