Kaizer Chiefs held by Golden Arrows in goalless MTN8 first half

Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows went into half-time level at 0-0 in their MTN8 encounter on Sunday evening, with both sides creating opportunities but neither able to find the breakthrough.

Chiefs entered the competition after returning to the MTN8 for the first time in three years. The Amakhosi had opened their Betway Premiership campaign with victory over newly promoted Kruger United and were aiming to continue that positive start.

Golden Arrows, known as Abafana Besthende, were looking for a response after beginning their league season with a goalless draw against Chippa United.

Chiefs made the brighter start and came close to opening the scoring during the early stages. A neat one-two around the edge of the penalty area created space for Luke Baartman, who found himself with a close-range opportunity.

However, Golden Arrows goalkeeper Edward Maova reacted quickly to the danger. He moved off his line and smothered the effort before Baartman could make the most of the opening.

The visitors then began to pose a greater threat and produced a chance of their own. Philani Khumalo sent a cross-cum-shot from the right side of the six-yard box towards goal, forcing Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen to retreat and make an impressive save, palming the ball away.

Chiefs continued to search for openings and were presented with another opportunity shortly before the half-hour mark. A ball played down the near side was worked back towards Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, who attempted to shoot from a tight angle.

The midfielder was unable to direct the effort properly, allowing Golden Arrows to escape without conceding.

Ngcobo had another chance from a similar position just before the interval. A forward pass was followed by a scramble in front of goal, and the ball fell kindly for the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder.

This time, Maova was again equal to the situation, making the necessary intervention to deny Ngcobo and keep the scores level at the break.

The result left both teams still searching for their first goal of the MTN8 tie, with Chiefs having enjoyed promising moments early on and Golden Arrows showing enough attacking threat to keep the hosts wary.

Confirmed line-ups

Kaizer Chiefs: Brandon Petersen, Reeve Frosler, Njabulo Ngcobo, Inacio Miguel, Bradley Cross, Samkelo Zwane, Mdaka Mtasingwa, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Luke Baartman, Wandile Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala.

Substitutes: Fiacre Ntwari, Gaston Sirino, Thabo Cele, Aden McCarthy, Edson Castillo, Pule Mmodi, Glody Lilepo, Naledi Radebe, Mfundo Vilakazi.

Golden Arrows: Edward Maova, Sifiso Jiyane, Vuyo Dlamini, Nkosinathi Mabaso, Ryan Van Neel, Lungelo Shezi, Thalente Cele, Khaya Maxwele, Dion, Philani Khumalo, Zwane.

Substitutes: Mbanjwa, Gasa, Mantshiyane, Khumalo, Sithole, Mbatha, Karelse, Van Rooi, Rakosa.