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Football | Absa Premiership

Ruben Cloete with Abia Nale © Backpagepix

Maritzburg snatch draw vs Chiefs



Terrence Mandaza scored an injury time equaliser to deny Kaizer Chiefs victory over Maritzburg United, as they drew 1-1 in their Premiership match at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday.

Trailing since the 21st minute of the match, Maritzburg were outplayed in most departments, but it was an unstoppable header from Mandaza that denied the mighty Amakhosi the three points away from home.

With the draw, Chiefs move to 18 points after eight matches, while Maritzburg move to 13 points.

After a break of three weeks, table-topping Chiefs continued where they left off in the league, showing little signs of rust.

In the ninth minute, Majoro had his first good look at goal. He made a good turn in the box, but his powerful shot was directed over the target.

Twelve minutes later, and Majoro found the net with ease with his second attempt. He pounced on a ball that was allowed to bounce in the Maritzburg goal, and Majoro was clinical in finding the corner of the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Chiefs controlled the match both with possession and territory, and even after conceding Maritzburg played defensively, and the Amakhosi were able to dominate.

A 58th minute attack from Chiefs saw the Soweto side create great width and, with slick passing, left Abia Nale in the perfect position in front of goal. His attempt went wide.

Two minutes later, Maritzburg keeper and captain Shu-aib Walters pulled off a stunning reaction save from a Majoro shot from close range in the area.

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Bernard Parker was denied by Walters in the 68th minute, as a bad pass in the Maritzburg midfield allowed Chiefs to produce a sniping counter-attack. Parker was left with just the keeper to beat, but Walters kept his side in the game with another good save.

Later, in injury time, Mandaza entered the scene, and with a well-timed run managed to time his headed attempt to perfection to wrestle a point from the match.

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