Kaizer Chiefs share spoils with Polokwane City as Usuthu beat Gallants

With Orlando Pirates focusing on their CAF Champions League campaign, Amakhosi needed maximum points to climb into second spot. However, Lebohang Maboe's first-half goal was cancelled out by substitute Gabriel Philander after the break as the two teams shared the spoils.

Polokwane City started the match strongly, putting Chiefs under pressure as they searched for an early breakthrough.

The hosts came close in the 20th minute when Rodney Maphangule and Tidimalo Molokeane both tested Brandon Petersen in quick succession. The Chiefs goalkeeper produced two excellent saves to keep the scores level.

Despite City creating the better chances early on, it was Chiefs who eventually broke the deadlock.

A well-weighted ball from Pule Mmodi found Maboe inside the box in the 29th minute. The midfielder controlled the pass before calmly finishing to give the visitors the lead.

Polokwane continued pushing forward, with Maphangule and Bonginkosi Dlamini among those looking to create openings, but Chiefs managed to hold on to their advantage heading into the interval.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with City increasing the tempo in search of an equaliser while Chiefs looked to extend their lead.

Petersen continued to stand firm between the posts, while the Chiefs defence worked hard to keep the hosts at bay.

However, Polokwane finally found their breakthrough in the 73rd minute. Substitute Philander managed to beat Petersen to level matters and give Rise and Shine renewed belief of completing the comeback.

Both sides pushed for a winning goal during the closing stages, but neither could find the decisive second goal.

The draw leaves Chiefs in third place with 12 points from six matches, while Polokwane City sit seventh with seven points from the same number of games.

Meanwhile, AmaZulu FC secured their second successive victory after edging 10-man Marumo Gallants 1-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

In-form striker Thando Ngwenya scored in the 37th minute to give Usuthu all three points, while Gallants were reduced to 10 men after Edgar Manaka was sent off in the second half.

AmaZulu move to fourth place with 10 points from five games, while Gallants remain 14th with two points. 

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