Kaizer Chiefs failed to continue with their dominance over Manning Rangers when the Durban-based outfit held them 2-2 in a crunch Castle Premiership encounter played at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The score was 1-1 at the interval.
The visitors were the first to find the back of the net in the 26th minute when Arthur ”10111” Zwane scored. This came after a good combination between him and Collins ”Ntofontofo” Mbesuma.
Zwane failed to increase the lead two minutes later when his shot went over the bar with Rangers’ goalkeeper, Chad Harpur, beaten hands down.
Rangers pushed forward in numbers in search for an equaliser and their efforts were rewarded in the 43rd minute when Francois Mpessa scored — this after Chiefs’ backline failed to clear a long throw in taken by Abram Isaks.
Chiefs came back strongly after the break, initiating a number of goal-scoring opportunities.
As a result, they managed to regain their lead in the 55th minute when Mbesuma scored after intercepting a back pass from Mpessa, who headed the ball to his ‘keeper.
This was Mbesuma’s first goal of the year and his 10th of the season. The visitors’ joy did not last, though, as Alton Meiring levelled matters in the 66th minute after receiving an excellent cross ball from Edson Minga. Meiring has netted six goals in league games.
Emmanuel ”Scara” Ngobese failed to put his team in the lead again when his shot went wide two minutes later. In the 72nd minute, David Radebe’s shot hit the upright with Harpur well beaten.
In search for another goal, Chiefs’ technical staff introduced skilful Songwe Chalwe for troublesome Zwane in the 80th minute.
This was much to the relief of Rangers players, as Zwane was like a thorn in flesh whenever in possession.
This became Chiefs’ second draw in five days. They drew 1-1 with Dynamos at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday night. — Sapa