Kaizer Chiefs extended their unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership to five matches after the goalless draw against Royal AM on Sunday afternoon.
DStv Premiership
Result: Royal AM 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Date: 18 February 2024
Venue: Harry Gwala Stadium
Chiefs made three changes from their last game of 2023, as Edson Castillo, Njabulo Ngcobo and Christian Saile were recalled while Keagan Dolly returned from his injury and started from the bench.
The Glamour Boys were under pressure in the early stages and nearly went behind on 16 minutes after Thabo Matlaba unleashed a dipping shot from outside the box that was uncomfortably saved by goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma.
Cavin Johnson's charges were playing on counter-attacks and Ashley Du Preez had a big chance on 24 minutes after he beat the offside trap to race clear on goal, one-on-one with shot-stopper Hugo Nyame but his chip over the Cameroonian missed the gaping goals slightly wide.
However, Chiefs were still living dangerously, inviting pressure from John Maduka's men and Khulekani Shezi almost broke the deadlock seven minutes before the interval with a glancing header that sailed slightly over the top corner.
Amakhosi had two good chances on the stroke of halftime as Nkosingiphile Ngcobo forced a save out of Nyame from a free-kick and the Cameroonian denied Sifiso Hlanti from a rebound, as he parried his shot into the post.
The visitors pressurized Thwihli Thwahla from the break and on the hour-mark, Du Preez had another one-on-chance in the box but again was thwarted by Nyame.
Johnson eventually made attacking changes after that as Dolly came on for Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Mduduzi Shabalala replaced Pule Mmodi.
Shabalala in particular brought some spark for Chiefs going forward but they were let down by their decision-making and rushing in the last third.
The game was opening up in the dying minutes, but neither side were able to carve out a clear-cut chance as they were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
Amakhosi remain sixth on the log, a point behind fifth-placed Pirates while Royal AM remain in 14th position.
Here's how they lined up:
Royal AM: 16. Nyame, 28. Mabuza, 42. Jiyane, 15. Shezi, 14. Matlaba, 12. Mahlasela, 5. Dlamini, 26. Magaqa, 50. Masuku, 48. Maxwele, 9. Macuphu
Subs: 25. Mpoto, 23. Sera, 2. Msomi, 38. Mashiane, 34. Thikazi, 23. Ndlovu, 44. Sithole, 3. Sikakane, 77. Cele
Kaizer Chiefs: 44. Bvuma, 23. Hlanti, 27. Njabulo Ngcobo, 25. Msimango, 39. Frosler, 8. Maart, 17. Castillo, 27. Ngcobo, 13. Mmodi, 9. Du Preez, 21. Salie
Subs: 1. Petersen, 4. Kwinika, 5. Mthethwa, 19. Mashiane, 42. Shabalala, 28. Vilakazi, 10. Dolly, 36. Duba, 14. Gonzalez
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