“We played well, but we need to work on protecting our lead,” coach Steve Komphela reflected after Kaizer Chiefs had to concede an equalizer in extra time against Mpumalanga Black Aces.

“We had good opportunities to seal it, missing plenty of chances.”

Amakhosi and Aces played to a two-all draw in an Absa Premiership fixture at Nelspruit’s Mbombela Stadium.

“Credit must go to Aces,” Komphela conceded, “they played very well. Their second goal, however, almost felt like a stab in the back, as it came so late in the game.”

“I must acknowledge that Parker had a fine performance,” Komphela reacted to a query about Amakhosi striker Bernard Parker’s gallant display upfront. “The front four (Parker, Siphiwe Tshabalala, William Twala and George Lebese) did well.”

With regard to the pressure mounting on the team due to the lack of wins, the Amakhosi coach added: “I prefer the pressure to be directed to me as a coach, rather than going to the players. Our performance is top class and the goals we concede are accidental if you look at most of our matches. We will stay focused until we turn the corner.”

Some journalists raised at the post-match press conference questions about the Chiefs supporters, who at times seemed a bit restless in the stands.

“We love our supporters,” Komphela commented. “However, we need them to support our players. They love Kaizer Chiefs and with them coming fully behind our players, we always gain confidence.”

Chiefs go into their next fixture at home against Ajax Cape Town in an Absa Premiership encounter at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 16 April (kick-off is at 20:15).