Mduduzi Shabalala’s two late goals within a minute helped Kaizer Chiefs stage a dramatic comeback, securing a 2-2 draw against Magesi FC in their Betway Premiership encounter at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday. Chiefs were trailing 2-0 with less than 20 minutes to play but demonstrated resilience, claiming a point that propels them to eighth place in the league standings.
The first half started with Chiefs dictating play under Coach Nasreddine Nabi, who encouraged his players to take control of the game early on.
However, it was Magesi FC who struck first, capitalizing on their initial attack.
Just six minutes into the match, John Mokone broke down the left and delivered a cross that found Wonderboy Makhubu, who headed it past Chiefs’ goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari to give the home side an early advantage.
Despite falling behind, Chiefs maintained possession and pressed for an equaliser.
Shabalala was first to test Magesi’s goalkeeper, Elvis Chipezeze, with a shot from the edge of the box in the 12th minute.
Minutes later, Mfundo Vilakazi nearly levelled the score, sending a powerful shot that skimmed the crossbar.
Chiefs’ relentless pressure continued with Ranga Chivaviro forcing a save from Chipezeze with a well-placed header.
The Amakhosi faced a tightly packed Magesi defence, with the hosts resolutely defending their lead.
Vilakazi created another promising chance in the 29th minute, skillfully moving down the right to deliver a precise cross, but Chivaviro’s header was saved by Chipezeze.
As halftime neared, Chiefs nearly equalised, with Rushwin Dortley’s header tipped over the bar by the Magesi keeper, sending the teams into the break with Magesi holding a 1-0 advantage.
The second half resumed with Magesi disrupting Chiefs’ rhythm, maintaining their lead through determined defence.
In the 72nd minute, they found themselves in a dangerous position with a free kick.
Edmore Chirambadare seized the opportunity, curling a left-footed shot beyond Ntwari’s reach, doubling Magesi’s lead to the delight of the home crowd.
With the game slipping away, Chiefs turned to their bench for inspiration.
Substitute Gasto Sirino proved instrumental, setting up Shabalala’s run into the box, where the young forward struck a tight-angle finish past Chipezeze in the 85th minute to make it 2-1.
Chiefs regained possession immediately from the restart, with Dortley launching a long ball forward that Wandile Duba hit against the post.
The rebound fell to Shabalala, who wasted no time in smashing it into the net, equalising at 2-2 to the relief of Chiefs fans.
The closing minutes saw Chiefs pushing aggressively for a winner, but Magesi held firm, defending in numbers to secure a point.
The result leaves Chiefs with seven points from five matches as they prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Black Label Knockout Challenge.
Shabalala’s double proved critical in rescuing a point, demonstrating Chiefs’ fighting spirit as they look to build momentum in the league.
