Sowetan

Kapini, Khune ensure draw

Wits get a win to reclaim summit

- By Bongani Magasela at Makhulong Stadium

Kaizer Chiefs missed the opportunit­y to go top of the Absa Premiershi­p table when they drew 0-0 with Highlands Park in front of a capacity crowd in Tembisa last night.

Amakhosi, who were fancied to win this game based on their current form and superiorit­y, remained on the second spot behind Bidvest Wits. Their opponents also retained their eighth position.

Credit must be given to both sides’ goalkeeper­s – Itumeleng Khune and Tapiwa Kapini. They made crucial saves when it mattered the most. Mothobi Mvala headed home a beauty for the hosts but his goal in the 87th minute did not count because he was offside.

The game started like a house on fire with the hosts threatenin­g to draw first blood as early as the second minute, but Peter Shalulile shot over the top. A minute later, Khune was called on to show what he is known for as he acrobatica­lly thwarted Lindokuhle Mbatha’s effort.

That was after the visitors had been denied a goal by Kapini, who blocked a shot by Dumisani Zuma.

Khune was back in the spotlight to make a save from an attempt by Thabo Motlafi. But pressure was just too much on them, and the Tembisa-based outfit should have taken the lead in the 30th minute.

The industriou­s Mbatha turned a number of defenders inside-out before releasing the ball inside the 18 area box where Mvala missed the ball completely.

Elsewhere, Wits reclaimed top position thanks to a 2-0 win at Cape Town City. A brace by Simon Murray secured the points for the Clever Boys.

AmaZulu and Maritzburg played to a 0-0 draw, while SuperSport United were also held 1-1 by Polokwane City.

 ?? / GALLO IMAGES ?? Thabo Motlafi of Highlands Park in action against Ramahlwe Mphahlele of Kaizer Chiefs at Makhulong Stadium last night.
/ GALLO IMAGES Thabo Motlafi of Highlands Park in action against Ramahlwe Mphahlele of Kaizer Chiefs at Makhulong Stadium last night.

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