Chiefs, City play out stalemate

rugby12 March 2025 19:30| © Backpage TXT
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Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City played out a goalless stalemate in their Betway Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.

For the Amakhosi, the draw means they have won just once in their last four league outings and remain in eighth place on the log.

As for the Citizens, they have now gone nine matches without a win across all competitions and find themselves in 10th place on the log – six points behind Chiefs, having played one extra game.

City created the first clear scoring chance of the match, with a 10th- minute corner kick picking out defender Nathan Fasika in the six-yard area, but his goal-bound header was well saved by Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma.

The home side gradually found their attacking rhythm, starting with a tame Mduduzi Shabalala shot midway through the first half which was comfortably saved by veteran ‘keeper Darren Keet, and building in intensity toward the interval.

Right wingback Dillon Solomons was put in behind the City backline by a great pass from Nkosingiphile Ngcobo in the 40th minute, but his low drive flashed just wide of the far post.

Two minutes later Shabalala had the best chance of the first half, stealing the ball from Fasika on the edge of the City penalty area and being faced with only Keet to beat, but he put his effort wide of the mark.

Goalless at the interval, both teams made a change at the start of the second half, with George Matlou and Prins Tijueza coming on for the Amakhosi and Citizens respectively.

The visitors had a great chance to claim the lead just over the hour mark when midfielder Fortune Makaringe burst past the defence in the penalty area, but his low shot was kept out by an amazing save with the left foot from Bvuma.

Chiefs created an opening in the 78th minute when Pule Mmodi crossed from the left for fellow substitute Ranga Chivaviro, but the striker was unable to keep his header down.

Just under 10 minutes later Mmodi cut inside from the left and tried for a curling drive into the top corner, but Keet made an outstanding save to keep the scoreline blank.

The Soweto hosts were certainly the stronger team and likelier scorers in the final phase of the match, but the Cape visitors held firm to see the points shared.

The teams will return to Premiership action this weekend, with City at home to Marumo Gallants on Saturday, 15 March, and Chiefs away to Richards Bay the following day.

Kaizer Chiefs 0

Cape Town City 0

Chiefs: Bvuma, Solomons (Frosler 65’), Msimango, Miguel, Dove, Ngcobo (Matlou 46’), Cele, Lilepo, Sirino (Vilakazi 65’), Shabalala (Mmodi 72’), Du Preez (Chivaviro 65’)

City: Keet, Dondolo (Witbooi 77’), Fasika, Gordinho, Nyama, Mokotjo (Nodada 70’), Makaringe (Petrus 70’), Rhodes, Serero (Tijueza 46’), Gonzalez, Soukouna (Ziba 77’)