The stalemate means Stuart Baxter’s Amakhosi side have managed only one win from their five league outings this term, having lost two and drawn two
Kaizer Chiefs could only manage a 0-0 league draw against bottom-of-the-table Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday evening.
Were it not from a couple of brilliant saves from visiting keeper Daniel Akpeyi, the Soweto outfit may well have returned home empty handed.
The first half saw Gallants dominating in terms of chances on goal, and they nearly scored from their first opportunity, when following an intricate move, Katlego Otladisa got on the end of a 14th minute cross from Mpho Mvelase, the header drawing a superb reflex save from Akpeyi.
While Amakhosi were not outplayed, they battled to create chances in the first half, and although Khama Billiat was a willing runner up front, too often the final ball was lacking.
And so while home keeper Washington Arubi had little to do, Nigerian international Akpeyi was made to work again in the 30th minute as he fisted away a stinging shot from outside the area from Celimpilo Ngema.
Unable to penetrate the Gallants defence at the opposite end of the field, Amakhosi's only shot on goal was one by Cole Alexander, 35-yards out, which was well-struck but flew comfortably over the bar, seven minutes before the interval.
The match remained evenly-poised after the restart before half chances were traded as Ngema headed wide in the 52nd minute before Keagan Dolly's free kick was easily gathered by Arubi.
With 15 minutes to go, the Glamour Boys were reduced to 10 men after Sifiso Hlanti picked up a second yellow card and was giving his marching orders. It looked a harsh call though as there was minimal contact between Hlanti and Otladisa, in both of the two bookings the former Bidvest Wits left-back picked up.
Moments later, from the resulting free kick, Gallants were unlucky not to score as Thabo Mnyamane’s header from a Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo free kick was pushed onto the bar by Akpeyi, who should also be credited for a brilliant reflex stop.
The playing field was levelled in the 80th minute when Ngema was red-carded after he had recklessly kicked the ball at a prone Billiat from close range – after the Zimbabwean had first been fouled and after the referee’s whistle had blown.
Amakhosi’s first genuine effort on goal came as late as the 90th minute, when Erick Mathoho’s header from Billiat’s free kick drew another brilliant save, this time from Arubi.
From the resultant corner, Arubi failed to claim the ball, but with the goal at his mercy, Chiefs defender Daniel Cardoso headed wide of the target.
Amakhosi continued to push hard for a goal, and there was another chance, this time for Dolly, but he shot straight at Arubi.