Posted in Match Report, News on Feb 16, 2022.
Cape Town City (0) 0
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 0
Kaizer Chiefs moved up to third place on the DStv Premiership standings after their goalless draw in their first league game of 2022 against Cape Town City at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Chiefs dominated large parts of the game, but could not turn their dominance into goals.
The hosts showed early attacking intent when debutant Jaeden Rhodes latched onto a long ball, while he did well to track the flight of the ball his attempted volley lob went just past the Chiefs goal.
On the other end of the field, Njabulo Blom turned in a cross from the left which Taariq Fielies intercepted, but his backward header fell to Ramahlwe Mphahlele who sent the ball across goal as City tried to clear the danger. The loose ball fell to Reeve Frosler, who came storming in but sent his effort high and wide in a frenetic opening five minutes of the game.
Chiefs keeper Brandon Petersen was alert and managed to stand his ground in the 20th minute and easily collected a shot on the half turn by Mduduzi Mdantsane. The Chiefs keeper made another vital stop just past the half hour mark, as he stood on his line to pluck a well driven shot by Thato Mokeke effortlessly out of the air.
While the Chiefs keeper was frustrating the hosts, a combination of stern defending and keeper Hugo Marques were keeping Chiefs at bay on the other end, as Marques came off his line in the 37th minute to intercept a dangerous looking ball from Frosler on the left.
As the fog which came across the field just before the half hour cleared the action was relentless on 38 minutes, after Terence Mashego got the ball to Mogamat May on the left, who turned Daniel Cardoso. The Chiefs defender had, however, done well to push him wide by the time he was able to get his shot off from a tight angle on the left, which Petersen did well to get a hand to the ball and push it away as Chiefs cleared the danger.
In referees optional time at the end of the first half Njabulo Blom collected a loose ball on the edge of the Cape Town City 18 yard area and drove the ball first time, but failed to find the target.
Chiefs would feel aggrieved to have gone into the half time break goalless, after being on top for most of the game.
Quickly out of the blocks into the second half the hosts had the first chance eight minutes after the restart. May picked up a ball over the top inside the Chiefs 18 yard area and worked some space, before driving the ball goal wards. Cardoso managed to get in the way of the ball to make a timely block, the ball eventually reaching Mashego, whose attempt at goal was blocked by Eirc Mathoho.
Chiefs would also have a good opportunity at goal soon after, as Cardoso hacked the ball on the volley towards goal. It took a slight touch from Thamsanqa Mkhize to change the trajectory of the ball and divert it away from goal. Not long after Keagan Dolly drove the ball into the side netting from the right. The ball looked like it was heading in before drifting wide as Cape Town City keeper Marques stood static as the ball headed towards his goal.
Timely interceptions and quick thinking defending in the second half thwarted Chiefs, who conjured up another great opportunity in the 78th minute with Frosler picking out Billiat inside the danger zone. As he got ready to drive the ball home Keano Cupido came in and knocked the ball away.
The status quo continued with three minutes of regulation time to play as Khanyiso Mayo made a good run up field before delightfully rolling the ball towards fellow substitute Taahir Goedeman, but Thabani Dube sliding in made a timely interception, as the ball ricocheted off Goedeman and rolled out for a goal kick.
A pulsating game with end to end action ended 0-0 with both teams sharing the spoils. Chiefs will now wait 11 days for their next game against Baroka away from home in the DStv Premiership on the 26th February.
Number of the game 5 – Chiefs are now undefeated in their last five away league games against Cape Town City (W4 D1).
Fact of the game – This was the 11th league meeting between the teams and was the first to end goalless. It was the second draw. Prior to this game 9 successive games had produced a winner
MVP – While Chiefs did not score they did put on a great defensive display with Cardoso, Dube and Petersen all starring in the backline as Chiefs kept their goal intact.
What Next – Chiefs are next in action in the DStv Premiership on the road against Baroka on the 26th February.
Line Ups:
City: 1. H. Marques, 2. T. Mkhize (K. Mayo 67’), 4. N. Fasika, 12. T. Fielies, 14. T. Mashego, 21. T. Mokeke, 6. R. Mokhuoane, 48. J. Rhodes (K. Cupido 55’), 10. M. Mdantsanse (T. Goedeman 74’), 30. C. Martin, 28. M. May (T. Morris 74’).
Subs Not Used: 31. B. Mpandle, 22. P. Fisher, 49. L. Sifumba, 46. T. Molaoa
Cautions: 12. T. Fielies 20’, 10. M. Mdantsane 60’
Coach: E. Tinkler
Chiefs: 1. B. Petersen, 3. E. Mathoho (S. Ngezana 85’), 4. D. Cardoso, 29. T. Dube, 2. R. Mphahlele, 39. R. Frosler, 45. N. Blom, 24. P. Nange (K. Baccus 74’), 10. K. Dolly, 25. B. Parker (S. Nurković 57’), 11. K. Billiat ( L. Manyama 84’)
Subs Not Used: 44. B. Bvuma, 5. A. Agay, 14. K. Sekgota, 26. S. Mabiliso.
Cautions: 3. E. Mathoho 82’
Coach: S. Baxter
