Kaizer Chiefs throw away chance to overtake Orlando Pirates and put pressure on PSL leaders Mamelodi Sundowns after AmaZulu FC disappointment

After earning a point in the 1-1 draw, Kaizer Chiefs are now six points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have, however, played two more games.

Some poor cover on the near post saw Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya heading in a cross from Andiswa Sithole 21 minutes into the game to give the visitors the lead for his fourth PSL goal in eight games this season.  

But Chiefs got an opportunity to hit back on the half-hour mark when referee Thando Ndzandzeka adjudged AmaZulu captain Riaan Hanamub to have handled inside the box, but Glody Lilepo's penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper Darren Johnson.

However, shortly after 32 minutes, Amakhosi levelled matters through Mduduzi Shabalala's fine shot after he was set up by Pule Mmodi.

Chiefs thought they had taken the lead on the stroke of halftime, but Khanyisa Mayo made himself offside when he aided an already goal-bound Mmodi effort into the back of the net.

The two teams could not separate each other in the second half and shared the spoils.

Following Wednesday's draw, Chiefs threw away an opportunity to settle in position third and they jumped just two rungs to position five, and in the process leapfrog their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates.

AmaZulu remain ninth on the standings with 12 points from eight games. 

Usuthu goalkeeper Darren Johnson frustrated Amakhosi with some fine saves to keep his team in the game.  

His evening was spiced up when he saved Lilepo's penalty and was deservedly named the Man of the Match.

By dropping two points, Chiefs might find themselves in a difficult situation to catch up with the leading pack. 

Wednesday's draw might bring back concerns among Chiefs fans that their team has returned to being inconsistent, a trend that has spoiled their recent seasons.

Of late, the Soweto giants have struggled to record uniform results, the way their rivals, Orlando Pirates, have posted seven consecutive wins in all competitions without conceding a goal.

Both Chiefs and AmaZulu now turn their attention to this weekend's Carling Knockout Round of 16 matches.   

The Soweto giants travel to Stellenbosch FC on Sunday, while Usuthu host Magesi FC on the same day.