Kaizer Chiefs lost 1-0 to German Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim at the FNB Stadium on Friday night.

However, despite the loss, the Amakhosi competed well with the Germans in this international friendly. New signing David Zulu made his debut, coming on late in the match.

Itumeleng Khune started in his first game since recovering from injury late last year. Matthew Rusike got a chance to prove himself, playing on the right-wing, while Simphiwe Mtsweni replaces the injured Tsepo Masilela at left-back. Siphelele Mthembu was the striker.

Doctor Khumalo was in charge of the team against the Germans with Stuart Baxter sitting in the stands.

Both teams came out to attack with Hoffenheim getting the first opportunity to score, but the shot went wide.

Chiefs did well and created some chances too, the best coming for Siphiwe Tshabalala in the 12th minute, but he slightly mimis-hit the shot.

Hoffenheim showed why they are in seventh position on the German Bundesliga log, displaying some good combination play. German international Kevin Volland was lively on the right-wing, while striker Adam Szalai created a few problems for Amakhosi’s centre-backs.

Tshabalala got another chance in the 33rd minute, but the German goalkeeper made an excellent save diving to his right.

The game was flowing up and down, being played at a high pace. For Chiefs, Rusike did a fine job on the right-wing giving his opponent a few headaches.

During the halftime break both teams made several changes. For the Amakhosi, Kgotso Moleko (for Siboniso Gaxa) and Levy Mokgothu (for Mtsweni) came on, while Hoffenheim made five substitutions.

Chiefs continued to do well in the second half, often having the Germans at the back-foot. However, it was a bit less entertaining than the first half, which was partly due to the numerous substitutions.

In the end, Hoffenheim did get their goal when their French striker Anthony Modeste excellently put the ball past Reyaad Pieterse, who had earlier come on for Khune.

The Chiefs captain had a fine match before being substituted in the 56th minute.

With five Amakhosi players with Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations, a win was always a tough task, but young players like Rusike and Moleko performed well.

Chiefs did get a few opportunities to equalize, but it wasn’t to be. The players, however, more than competed with their German Bundesliga counterparts, which is a positive sign with the CAF Champions League matches starting next month.

Kaizer Chiefs 0

1899 Hoffenheim (0) 1 (Modeste 70’)

Teams:

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune (C) (Pieterse 56’), Gaxa (Moleko 46’), Gould, Mashamaite, Mtsweni (Mokgothu 46’), Rusike, Bukenya, Maluleka (Nkosi 77’), Lebese (Mphela 86’), Tshabalala (Zulu 92’), Mthembu (Karuru 74’)

Hoffenheim: Baumann, Strobl, Abraham (Rapp 89’), Bicakcic (Toljan 46’), Beck (Salihovic 46’), Volland (Amiri 46’), Polanski (Rudy 46’), Schwegler (Herdling 62’), Elyounoussi (Hamad 62’), Firmino (Zuber 62’), Szalai (Modeste 46’)