Amakhosi escape at United by the skin of their teeth

RENEILWE Letsholonyane saved Kaizer Chiefs’ bacon with a last-minute equaliser that saw his team grab a point in KwaZulu-Natal’s capital last night.

Chiefs had been knocking on Maritzburg United’s door for the entire second half but could only kick down the door late in the match.

While they had a CAF Champions League tie against Raja Casablanca as an unnecessary distraction last season, they had no excuse against a passionate Team of Choice that will be happy with the point accrued. From a bravery perspective, the hosts averaged 11/10 but that does not win games.

Steve Komphela’s homecoming was spoilt but a draw wasn’t a fair reflection of a game that Chiefs dominated.

When his starting XI had Lucky Baloyi and Willard Katsande screening the back four, it sent out the wrong message. United have not been the kind of team that one loses sleep over when going forward, but it showed the minimal faith Komphela had in his new centre back pairing of Lorenzo Gordinho and Eric Mathoho.

Amakhosi were also without captain Siphiwe Tshabalala and Ivan Bukenya, which saw Katsande donning the armband. With George Lebese being a nuisance down the left flank, Chiefs didn’t miss their captain.

Like the driving rain that lashed the N3 between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the hosts surged down the middle without much reward. Chiefs’ defensive block earned its keep despite conceding a 20th-minute goal through Kurt Lentjies’ penalty.

It was accrued through a rather needless handball from Tsepo Masilela when he tried to clear Phumlani Zulu’s cross.

While Chiefs were the better side overall, it was a lead that Clive Barker’s team deserved. They chased and attacked with intent and their commitment in defence was unwavering.

With Chiefs’ front four asking questions every time they went forward, the defensive shift United put in had to be on point.

There is something about Chiefs that gives teams like United an extra leg and just playing against them is motivation enough. If they can sustain the passion exhibited yesterday, extricating themselves from the relegation mire they are in will not be very difficult.

Getting on a consistent run with the under-23 break looming is not something the Team of Choice will be happy with, but the national team comes first.

For the first time this season, there is none of the jittery defence and lack of composure that has seen them concede 22 goals ahead of this match.

However, Chiefs’ set-piece accuracy gave them a constant headache throughout the game.

For all their midfield industry and dominance, Chiefs only had one decent goal-scoring opportunity in the first half through Bernard Parker in the 16th minute. His curling shot from outside the box was well saved by goalkeeper Tawfeeq Salie.

Chiefs gradually took control of the game in the second half but unlocking the resolute United defence proved to be easier said than done.

Lebese’s left boot was causing all the problems from dead-ball situations and he should have been rewarded at some point.

While his 57th-minute free kick just skimmed the bar, his efforts in the 75th and 78th minutes, from a long range shot and free kick, cannoned off the upright and were saved by Salie.

United had their breakout opportunities in the 51st and 71st minutes through Evans Rusike and Mphakamiseni Nene, but Brilliant Khuzwayo was a spectator for the best part of the game. The seven additional minutes Chiefs received from referee Thando Ndzandzeka was benevolent but they have mastered the art of late equalisers.