Chiefs brought back down to earth in Chippa stalemate

Nedbank Cup finalists Kaizer Chiefs’ poor form in the Betway Premiership continiued on Saturday evening, as they were held to a goalless draw at Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Gqeberha.

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Amakhosi fans may have hoped Chiefs’ inspired win over Mamelodi Sundowns in last weekend’s cup semifinal would lift them to breeze past the Chilli Boyz.

Chiefs lack inspiration

Instead, Chiefs lacked inspiration against Chippa, and have now gone five Premiership games in a row without a win.

It could have been worse for Chiefs as Bruce Bvuma had to do well to tip over Sergio Kammies’ late cross-shot.

Chiefs are still somehow clinging on to eighth place in the table, but that surely won’t last if Nabi’s men cannot find a way to win.

Tashreeq Morris was back to lead the line for Chiefs against Chippa, but central defender Inacio Miguel remained out injured, while Given Msimango joined him on the sidelines.

Kwinika’s first start

That meant Nabi went with a centre back pairing of Edmilson Dove and Zitha Kwinika, who made his first start of the season for Amakhosi.

And Chiefs’ defence was certainly put under pressure by Chippa in the first half. Dove continued his good form, and had to be strong in the challenge on several occasions. 

Chippa had an excellent chance in the 29th minute. Kammies burst onto a flick on and looked likely to race clear but he couldn’t quite get the ball out in front of him and then tried a back heel that didn’t come off. 

Chiefs didn’t create a lot but had a couple of chances in the opening 45 minutes. In the 31st minute, a cross from Dillon Solomons was headed wide by Wandile Duba. 

Five minutes after that Morris had a good chance from Bradley Cross’ delivery, but he also couldn’t hit the target. 

Chippa came close five minutes in to first half stoppage time. Solomons needlessly gave the ball away and Craig Martin let fly with an effort that flew just the wrong side of Bvuma’s post.

Nabi made a double change at the break, bringing off Morris and Solomons, and bringing on Glody Lilepo and Njabulo Blom.

And Amakhosi certainly started the half with more attacking intent. In the 49th minute, Duba beat Nwabali to the ball, turned and laid the ball back to Gaston Sirino.

Sirino sent in a good cross with the outside of his boot, but Mmodi’s attempt at an improvised finish went nowhere.

Chances but no goals

Chippa were also probing for the winner and in the 64th minute Giovanni Philander, who had come on as a half time substitute, fired in a shot that stung the palms of Bvuma.

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In the 69th minute, Mmodi got away after a brilliant first touch got the ball in front of him. But a poor second touch gave Nwabali time to come off his line and clear the danger.

Kammies almost provided a late winner for Chippa, but Bvuma was alert to tip over his cross-shot.