Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic played to a goalless draw in an Absa Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening. Amakhosi were the better side, but they were unable to find the back of the net, despite creating numerous chances.

Lucky Baloyi and Erick Mathoho came into the starting line-up compared to Amakhosi’s last league fixture against Chippa United. Baloyi replaced the suspended Willard Katsanda, while ‘Tower’ had recovered from his groin injury.

Both sides started a bit tentative, even though Chiefs had most of the ball possession in the early stages.

The first goalscoring opportunity came for Michelle Katsvairo after the Celtic goalkeeper made a bit of a meal of things inside the box with the ball falling in front of the Zimbabwean striker. Katsvairo’s left-footed shot at goal, however, failed to hit the target.

Six minutes later a long distance shot from Baloyi flew just over the crossbar. It would have been an absolute sitter.

Amakhosi’s defence looked composed and well-organised, with the versatile Daniel Cardoso doing a fine job at left-back.

The home side started to dominate the proceedings towards the end of the first half, although there was a set-back in the 41th minute when George Lebese got injured. He was replaced by Joseph Molangoane.

The halftime score was goalless.

Chiefs started the second half much better than the first, really trying to put the Celtic defence under pressure.

It resulted in a few good chances for Siphiwe Tshabalala (his left-footed shot missed the target) and Mathoho, whose header was brilliantly saved off the line by the Celtic goalkeeper.

Coach Steve Komphela brought on Bernard Parker for Katsvairo in the 51st minute to add to the pressure on the visitor’s backline.

Baloyi had a stable game, anchoring the midfield, while George Maluleka was the one making more runs going forward. Tshabalala, meanwhile, was spraying around some fine passes in his role behind the striker.

Celtic, on the other hand, didn’t give up and started to get to grips with the second half after about 15 minutes. They even created a few opportunities, but Brilliant Khuzwayo was always alert in goal, making some brilliant saves.

In the end, no goals were scored.

Amakhosi have now collected 18 points from 13 matches.

Chiefs next host Polokwane City in an Absa Premiership fixture at FNB Stadium on Sunday, 18 December (kick-off is at 15:30).

Kaizer Chiefs 0

Bloemfontein Celtic 0

Kaizer Chiefs: Khuzwayo; Mphahlele, Mathoho, Gordinho, Cardoso; Lebese (Molangoane 41’), Baloyi, Maluleka (Buchanan 80’), Chirambadare; Tshabalala, Katsvairo (Parker 51’)

Bloemfontein Celtic: Tignyemb; Dube, Sankara, Letlabika; Zuma, Ndengane, Maruping (Shikweni 77’), Hotto (Masuku 70’), Mxoyana; Nyatama, Nyondo (Abdoul 53’)