Betway Premiership: Missed opportunities cost Kaizer Chiefs in draw

Kaizer Chiefs failed to close out a victory on Wednesday, conceding late in a disappointing 1-1 Betway Premiership draw against visiting Marumo Gallants.

Gallants super sub Jaisen Clifford’s second goal of the season arrived in the 75th minute shortly after the forward came onto the pitch as the visitors continued to build on their reputation as a tricky opponent for South Africa’s top clubs. Clifford also came off the bench to score a crucial late goal in Gallants’ victory over Orlando Pirates earlier this season.

For Chiefs, there was no excuse for any result other than a win. Khanyisa Mayo opened the scoring close to halftime for a debut goal following his arrival on loan from Algerian club CR Belouizdad as the hosts looked much more dangerous.

However, the ominous signs began to show just before halftime when Chiefs were awarded a penalty kick. Gastón Sirino’s tame spot kick was saved by Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi and the hosts failed to double their lead going into halftime.

While Gallants did not look particularly dangerous throughout the match, Chiefs’ momentum was halted by the penalty kick failure and the stage was set for a moment of brilliance from Clifford, who cut inside from the left wing to curl a long range effort past Brandon Petersen in the Chiefs goal.

It is a missed opportunity for Chiefs, who could have gained serious ground on Mamelodi Sundowns but remain four points back of the reigning champions with two less games played. Current leaders Sekhukhune United are poised to extend their lead later on Wednesday when they host Chippa United while four other matches will take place simultaneously to wrap up the eighth round.

Chiefs return to continental action on Saturday where they will look to overturn a 0-1 deficit at home in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup qualifying clash against Angola’s Kabuscorp.

Betway Premiership Midweek Results & Fixtures

Tuesday

Siwelele 0-1 Orlando Pirates

Wednesday

Golden Arrows 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Marumo Gallants

Orbit College vs Polokwane City

Richards Bay vs Magesi FC

Sekhukhune United vs Chippa United

Stellenbosch vs Durban City

TS Galaxy vs AmaZulu