Kaizer Chiefs missed out on a third straight win in the DStv Premiership after being held to a goalless draw by Royal AM at FNB Stadium.
DStv Premiership
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 Royal AM
Date: 16 September 2023
Venue: FNB Stadium
Chiefs handed new striker signing Jasond Gonzalez his first start alongside George Matlou, as two changes from their draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg.
Gonzalez was the subject of a big talking point early in the first half for a dangerous challenge in the middle of the mark, which could have easily earned him a red card.
The Glamour Boys saw a lot of the ball in the early stages but they created their first chance on 16 minutes after Ashley Du Preez won possession high up the field and went through on goal but he fired his shot high and wide.
Molefi Ntseki's charges dropped a little deeper after that and had a big chance on the half-hour mark after goalkeeper Zakahle Ngcobo missed the flight of a through ball towards Du Preez but the Amakhosi speedy attacker missed an open goal from a tight angle.
Chiefs gained confidence as Edson Castillo came close to breaking the deadlock three minutes later with a cracking shot that came off the crossbar from a corner situation.
Chiefs pinned back John Maduka's men in their own half early in the second stanza and although they circulated the ball without challenge, they could not find ways to get behind their defence.
Looking for solutions to break down Royal AM, Ntseki made attacking changes on 66 minutes, as Mduduzi Shabalala replaced Gonzalez in a tactical switch while Christian Saile came on for Pule Mmodi.
Saile and Shabalala both made an immediate impact for Chiefs as four minutes later the Congolese striker came close to breaking the deadlock with a side-footed shot that came off the frame of the goals and the academy graduate latched onto the rebound but his shot was smothered by Ngcobo.
Royal AM carried a threat on transitions as Ayabulela Maxwele came close to giving them the lead 15 minutes before time with a strike on the edge of the box that flashed wide.
Amakhosi were desperate for the winner in the dying minutes as they put Thwihli Thwahla under pressure but the visitors did not allow them time on the ball and snuffed them out, as the game ended goalless.
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: 1. Petersen, 23. Hlanti, 24. Ditlhokwe, 25. Msimango, 24. Kwinika, 8. Maart, 17. Castillo, 22. Matlou, 13. Mmodi, 9. Du Preez, 14. Gonzalez
Subs: 32. Khune, 27. Njabulo Ngcobo, 39. Frosler, 2. Dove, 12. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, 7. Chivaviro, 42. Shabalala, 36. Zwane, 21. Saile
Royal AM: 32. Ngcobo, 13. Manganyi, 31. Jiyane, 17. Mogaila, 44. Sithole, 34. Thikazi, 5. Dlamini, 77. Cele, 12. Mahlasela, 28. Mabuza, 30. Gamildien.
Subs: 25. Mpoto, 6. Kobedi, 9. Macuphu, 45. George, 10. Mpisane, 35. Dlamini, 8. Ncobeni, 48. Maxwell, 2. Msomi
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
