Daniel Akpeyi made his 50th appearance for Kaizer Chiefs as they rallied to secure a point after a late goal against Maritzburg at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
Amakhosi have their shot-stopper to thank for keeping them in the game. After trailing to an early goal, the Nigerian goalie made two key-saves that kept his side within touching distance of the game.
The hosts took the lead just after the quarter-hour mark through Thabiso Kutumela who made no mistake after he was played through on goal. The goal sparked a bit of controversy as the forward looked to be offside but the goal was given regardless.
Maritzburg United came close to doubling their advantage just five minutes later. Bandile Shandu made a quick dash on the flank and sent in a cross that met Bongokhule Hlongwane unmarked in the box.
Luckily for Chiefs, the forward couldn’t find the mark and sent his effort over the bar for a goal-kick.
For all of their possession on the ball, Chiefs struggled to get that spark in the final third and finally came close to grabbing an equalizer just before half time
Chiefs made a number of substitutions at the start of the second half and it proved to be an inspired decision from Gavin Hunt. Three minutes into the second period, Amakhosi had already had three chances at goal and all of the pressure saw them win series of corners early on.
It was more of the same story from the first half for Chiefs as they continued to dominate possession but struggled to create any clear-cut chance upfront.
Just when it looked like the game would end in another disappointing result for Hunt and company, Lebogang Manyama rose the highest to head home the equalizer two minutes away from time.
Chiefs would have been disappointed not to have taken all three points on the evening. Although, their recent form all but says they would pleased with a point regardless. Amakhosi are without a win in their last six league outings, losing two and drawing four in that period. In fact, their last victory in the league dates all the way back to the 19th of January, a 3-0 victory over Tshakhuma.
For Akpeyi, it was a fair result for him to mark his 50th appearance for the club. On the international scene though, it has blown hot and cold for the goalie. The 34-year-old has lost his place in the Super Eagles squad to John Noble and must now make do as a ‘stand-by’ option should his services be needed.