Kaizer Chiefs were their own worst enemy against AmaZulu FC.
Missed chances, a wasted penalty, and an offside blunder from Khanyisa Mayo cost them a vital win in the Betway Premiership.
Coach Khalil Ben Youssef admitted his team had done enough to deserve victory but couldn’t hide his frustration at how it slipped away.
KAIZER CHIEFS COACH KHALIL BEN YOUSSEF RUES MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Amakhosi dominated the first half, producing at least four great chances inside the half hour. But they found themselves chasing after switching off defensively to concede first.
Following Gaston Sirino’s missed penalty last weekend, Godly Lilepo stepped up, only to miss as well, leaving the FNB crowd groaning.
Moments later, when Pule Mmodi looked certain to score, Mayo poked the ball over the line from an offside position. What should have been a match-winner turned into a costly blunder.
“What can I say?” Ben Youssef sighed on SuperSport TV. “We created, we fought, and we deserved three points.
“But we missed the penalty, and we had a goal taken away because of the offside touch. I’m happy with the performance, but results will come with time,” the Tunisian added.
MDUDUZI SHABALALA EQUALISER
Mduduzi Shabalala did find the net to bring Chiefs level for his first of the season, but the late push for a winner was blocked by poor finishing and misfortune. It left Amakhosi walking away with just one point when their coach felt the full three was in their hands.
After eight games, Chiefs are now in fifth place with 18 points, six behind leaders and current champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who still have a game in hand.
Up next, Amakhosi head to Cape Town for a Carling Knockout last-16 clash against Stellenbosch FC. Kick-off is set for 15:00 at DHL Stadium.
In last year’s Carling run, Chiefs blew away SuperSport United 4-0 in the first round in Tshwane, only for the dream to collapse at the quarterfinal stage with a 4-0 hammering from Sundowns on home soil. Will the story end differently in 2025? Stellies will have a say.