Kaizer Chiefs held to goalless draw by Golden Arrows

Kaizer Chiefs were held to a second successive goalless draw as Golden Arrows frustrated them at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

The result leaves Chiefs fourth in the Betway Premiership with 13 points from seven matches. Golden Arrows are eighth on eight points.

It is now four draws in Chiefs’ last five matches, with their failure to convert a 33rd-minute penalty proving costly.

Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso was penalised for bringing down Faiz Abrahams inside the area, but Lebohang Maboe was denied from the spot by an outstanding save from Golden Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.

Chiefs also came close to finding a winner late in the match, when Mfundo Vilakazi struck the crossbar after meeting Asanele Velebayi’s cross with a volley in the 79th minute.

Golden Arrows had threatened earlier in the game, but debutant goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner reacted sharply to keep out Junior Dion’s powerful volley. Philani Kumalo had created the chance with a dangerous cross.

Dion was presented with another opportunity in the 21st minute after Sabelo Sithole delivered from the left, but the striker could not make enough contact despite being well positioned in front of goal.

Arrows remained a threat on the counter-attack after half-time. Nqubeko Dlamini headed over before Ayabulela Maxwele picked out an unmarked Osborn Maluleke, who was unable to direct his effort on target.

Chiefs made two attacking changes in the 60th minute, introducing Mduduzi Shabalala and Adolf Mtasingwa as they looked for a breakthrough.

The Amakhosi then sustained pressure in the Arrows half, but Mbanjwa and his defence continued to keep them at bay. Shabalala eventually found Pule Mmodi with a cross, although Mmodi’s header flashed across goal without a Chiefs player arriving to finish the move.

Vilakazi went closest to breaking the deadlock when his volley bounced back off the crossbar and out of play.

Golden Arrows still had one final chance to claim all three points in stoppage time. Ronaldo Van Neel’s cross found Thokozani Khumalo in front of goal, but he dragged his shot wide.

Chiefs will return to Betway Premiership action against Stellenbosch FC in October, while Golden Arrows will host Milford.