Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town played to a goalless draw in an Absa Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening. Amakhosi were the better team, but failed to convert one of the numerous chances that came the side’s way.

The home side started the game with the same line-up as in Tuesday’s two-all draw to Mpumalanga Black Aces.

Itumeleng Khune was still out due to a hamstring strain and with Brilliant Khuzwayo also out injured, the talented Luthando Sixhaso sat on the bench for the first time since joining Chiefs this season.

Amakhosi started the game well, trying to put early pressure on the visitor’s defence. However, it didn’t result in any immediate chances.

Slowly, the Urban Warriors came into their rhythm, closing down the space whenever Chiefs were in possession of the ball.

Still, it was the home side that got the better chances in the first half, thanks to long range shots from Willard Katsande (30th minute) and Siphiwe Tshabalala (33rd minute). Both times the Ajax goalkeeper made a fine save.

William Twala was again lively on the wing, getting as well a perfect opportunity to open the score just before halftime, after a perfect defence splitting pass from Bernard Parker. But Twala’s shot from close range was well-blocked from going in by the Ajax ‘keeper.

Chiefs were the dominating side in the first half with Ajax only getting a few small chances, although, overall, there wasn’t much to worry goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse.

Parker worked tremendously hard up-front, while Tshabalala seems to be enjoying his new position behind the striker (Parker). ‘Shabba’ was passing the ball around nicely.

The second half started more or less like the first half ended, with Amakhosi dominating possession of play. However, this time the pressure was really building on the Ajax defence.

Twala continued to do well, often creating danger to the opponent’s defence.

Amakhosi got several fine opportunities to score, but they struggled again to find the back of the net. On the other hand, there was a shock when Nathan Paulse looked to set to score in the 79th minute. Goalkeeper Pieterse had no chance, but, luckily, the headed ball hit the post.

There was also a bit of a set-back when Tsepo Masilela, who looked dangerous whenever overlapping, injured his thigh muscle.

The best chance in the second half came for Parker, who made an excellent run to get rid of his marker. But the Ajax goalkeeper again made an excellent save.

Overall, the home side was the better side and deserved the win, but it wasn’t to be.

Chiefs are now in fourth position on the Absa Premiership log with 41 points from 25 games.

Amakhosi next face the University of Pretoria in an Absa Premiership clash at Tuks Stadium on Wednesday, 27 April (kick-off is at 19:30).

Kaizer Chiefs 0

Ajax Cape Town 0

Kaizer Chiefs: Pieterse; Moleko, Mathoho, Cardoso, Masilela (Ritchie 76’); Twala, Katsande, Baloyi (Maluleka 66’), Lebese (Ekstein 84’); Tshabalala, Parker

Ajax Cape Town: Jaakkola; Mabaso, Mobara, Coetzee, Lebusa; Norodien (Langwe 61’), Graham, Mdabuka, Morris (Losper 77’); Isaacs, Paulse (Nxumalo 80’)