Chiefs forced to settle for draw
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1 SuperSport United (0) 1 GOALS: Chiefs — Samir Nurkovic (14m) SuperSport — Bradley Grobler (84m)
● Bradley Grobler stole Samir Nurkovic's thunder with a late equaliser, but had a late penalty saved as Kaizer Chiefs escaped with a 1-1 draw against SuperSport United.
Grobler, whose 84th-minute goal was well taken, earned the spot-kick when his pass bounced off Lorenzo Gordinho’s hand. Despite the protests, it was a correct call, but erratic Daniel Akpeyi pulled off a good save.
It was two points lost for the hosts as they were the better side.
In what could only be termed as a statement of fitness intent, Itumeleng Khune saluted the crowd before sitting on the bench. This at best was an indication that in the near future he might be seen on the field.
In Chiefs’ first game at FNB Stadium this season, they asked all the early questions.
Through Nurkovic they drew first blood in the 14th minute after the Serbian latched onto a George Maluleka pass.
He jostled with Grant Kekana before unleashing a shot that deflected off Kekana and past Ronwen Williams for the goal.
Chiefs bristled with attacking intent, with Khama Billiat not only starting the game but playing like someone who doesn’t have persistent transfer rumours swirling around him.
SuperSport then eased into the game, but Chiefs constricted the midfield in a way Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits couldn't when they were well beaten by SuperSport.
SuperSport’s best chance of the first half came from a 26th minute Kekana header that had the beating of Akpeyi, but not the upright.
Teboho Mokoena also had a 43rd minute chance, but that went wide of Akpeyi’s post.
SuperSport, while they tried to ignite the game, were subdued. Though they’ve never been overwhelmed by the prospect of playing Chiefs, they couldn’t find the intensity of their previous two games.
Nurkovic’s dream game continued into the second half when consecutive 66th and 67th minute chances were saved by Williams.
He nearly turned provider two minutes later when he threaded a delicate pass to Billiat. Billiat wasted the chance, but Nurkovic was doing everything right from a striker’s perspective.
Nurkovic again had a golden chance to put the game away in the 83rd minute after collecting a Lebogang Manyama pass. Williams pulled off a good save, but the SuperSport keeper was well beaten by an 81st minute Dumisani Zuma header that went wide.
Grobler had a quiet outing, but when he forced an 82nd-minute save from Akpeyi, it was a warning. It went unheeded and two minutes later Grobler equalised after receiving a delightful pass from Thamsanqa Gabuza that made Daniel Cardoso look silly.
The football gods though aren’t complete without a sense of irony with Akpeyi having the last laugh.