Manyama rescues a point for Chiefs at Maritzburg

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A late goal from Lebogang Manyama earned Kaizer Chiefs a point against Maritzburg United after they played out to a 1-1 draw at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Gavin Hunt decided to keep the same team that beat Petroleos de Luanda 2-0 in the Caf Champions League at the FNB Stadium this past Saturday, with Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro missing the clash through injury, while Itumeleng Khune was unavailable due to family commitments.

The Team of Choice drew first blood in the game after Thabiso Kutumela slotted the ball home from close range after a brilliant counter-attack by Maritzburg.

The visitors had a huge opportunity to double their lead six minutes later, but Bongokuhle Hlongwane steered his free header over the crossbar.

Daniel Akpeyi came to his side’s rescue in the 27th minute when he was forced to make a save to deny midfielder Ryan Rae’s shot at goal.

Willard Katsande had a chance to get his side back into the game with five minutes left to play, but saw his header saved by the Maritzburg goalkeeper going into half time with Chiefs trailing by one goal.

Amakhosi had the chance to level matters in the second stanza, but Mathoho’s attempt sailed over the bar before Ali Meza’s cut-back inside the box took a deflection off Mathoho and nearly found the back of his own net. However, Akpeyi was on hand to collect the ball.

Judas Moseamedi should’ve doubled his side’s lead and put the game to bed in the 79th minute, but the forward rattled the woodwork with his effort from outside the box after beating two Chiefs defenders.

Lebogang Manyama came close to equalising a minute later but saw his volley from inside the box cleared away from danger by the head of Allie.

Amakhosi eventually levelled matters with three minutes left after Manyama’s glancing header found the back of the net after receiving a cross from Blom.

Both teams pressed forward in the closing stages as they went in search of the winning goal, but failing that Chiefs had to settle for a point at the Harry Gwala Stadium.