Kaizer Chiefs moved back into the top half of the table despite being held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by AmaZulu in a DStv Premiership clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday evening.
With five key players absent, as club legend Itumeleng Khune returned, the visitors opened the scoring two minutes in through Ashley Du Preez who intercepted a back pass before slotting past an onrushing Velile Mothwa to put Cavin Johnson’s side 1-0 up.
AmaZulu had a chance to level matters in the 14th minute from a set-piece but Abbubaker Mobara shot narrowly off the crossbar.
Sifiso Hlanti’s free-kick almost made it 2-0 but Mothwa produced a magnificent low save to keep his side in the match.
Chiefs youngster Mduduzi Shabalala then rattled the woodwork, and was left to rue that missed chance as AmaZulu equalised through Victor Letsoalo’s powered header past Bruce Bvuma six minutes before half-time.
Usuthu showed more resilience in the second stanza. Hendrick Ekstein unleashed a ferocious shot towards goal but Bvuma was equally up to the task.
Substitute Christian Saile missed a glorious chance to put his side back into the lead but his tame shot failed to trouble Mothwa.
Chidi Kwem’s header just before the end of regulation time was straight to Bvuma.
Du Preez nearly grabbed his brace in stoppage time, but Mothwa pulled off a double save to deny the goalscorer’s excellent shot and Christian Saile on the follow-up.
But when the final whistle blew three minutes later both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils in Round 28 of the DStv Premiership.
