Kaizer Chiefs faced up against Maritzburg United in the Telkom Knockout on Saturday as the Amakhosi edged their rivals in a penalty shootout. 

Chiefs got off to a fast start in the tie as Michelle Katsvairo missed a huge chance barely a minute into the contest, his shot flying inches wide after he had been let in by a Bevan Fransman slip.

The Team of Choice responded well to the early scare and enjoyed the better of the exchanges over the following period of play as Eric Mathoho was forced into a clearance, before Itumeleng Khune was called into action as he punched clear.

Hendrick Ekstein had the next chance for Chiefs as he fired wide before Khune was again on hand to block a Luyanda Ntshangase effort.

Denis Weidlich came the closest to breaking the deadlock as his shot rebounded off the post, but at half-time, the score remained deadlocked at 0-0.

Chiefs began the second half strongly as George Lebese had an early chance before Sibusiso Khumalo’s effort was saved.

The Amakhosi began to step up their game after the hour mark as Lebese and Deolin Mekoa had shots either side of a Ntshangase effort. Lebese then had yet another shot comfortably saved as Chiefs pushed hard to break the deadlock.

There was a pause in play due to a power failure and after the resumption, the game was soon forced into added time, the sides still level at 0-0.

The best chance in added time came the way of Mathoho as the defender’s effort off his chest struck the post. With no goal forthcoming, however, the match went to penalties.

Eventually, it was Chiefs who emerged the victors as both Mekoa and Kurt Lentjies missed their spot kicks to condemn the Team of Choice to defeat.

Elsewhere, SuperSport United faced Ajax Cape Town, with Matsatsantsa emerging the victors by a 1-0 scoreline.