Kaizer Chiefs’ poor start to the season continued as they snatched a late equalizer to salvage a point in their DStv Premiership match at AmaZulu on Saturday afternoon.
Stuart Baxter handed starts to Njabulo Ngcobo and Austin Dube while Phathutshedzo Nange was drafted in the starting XI after missing the draw with Marumo Gallants through injury.
The game didn’t swing into life early until the 20th minute when Chiefs should have been ahead through Keagan Dolly. A sweet passing move ended with Khama Billiat teeing the attacking midfielder up but the latter’s attempt was saved by Veli Mothwa in the box.
Usuthu had their chance layer when Dube’s failed clearance fell at the feet of Sandile Khumalo in the box, but Daniel Akepyi got down well to keep out the defender’s strike.
With the game opening up a bit more in the closing stages of the first half, Mothwa was impressive to deny Bernard Parker and Billiat with some spectacular saves.
After the break, Benni McCarthy made one change as Thabo Qalinge replaced Matarr Ceesay on the left flank.
Usuthu went in front just two minutes after the break. Luvuyo Memela finished smartly past Akpeyi after been set up by Keagan Buchanan’s header for his first goal of the campaign.
While Baxter refused to make any change despite going behind, McCarthy made another change by withdrawing Bongninkosi Ntuli for Xola Mlambo as he looked to strengthen the midfield in the closing stages.
With time running out, Baxter made his first change in the 80th minute as Lebogang Manyama replaced Cole Alexander before Ngcobo made way for Happy Mashiane two minutes later.
Chiefs were handed a lifeline in the final minute of added time after they were awarded a penalty for an apparent handball in the box after consultation with the assistant. Dolly stepped up and converted the spot-kick to salvage a point for Chiefs and troubled Baxter.