PSL Match Report: Chiefs 1-1 SuperSport: Amakhosi 100% record ends in stalemate

Off-season arrival Samir Nurkovic’s first-half goal was cancelled out by Bradley Grobler’s late strike as Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United played to an entertaining 1-1 draw in an Absa Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday night.

Read: Chiefs out to stop high-flying SuperSport

Khama Billiat finally made his long-awaited Chiefs line-up for the first time this season as Leonardo Castro dropped to the bench, while there was also a spot on the bench for Itumeleng Khune.

SuperSport on the other hand opted to relegate last week’s two-goal hero Thamsanqa Gabuza to the bench.

Amakhosi’s new signing Samir Nurkovic opened his goal-scoring account as early as the 14th minute when his cross took a wicked deflection off Grant Kekana and sailed over Ronwen Williams to give the home side a 1-0 lead.

Matsatsantsa a Pitori did not lie down despite trailing and almost got back on level terms as Kekana’s towering header crashed against the upright with Daniel Akpeyi beaten, before Kudakwashe Mahachi’s follow-up shot sailed wide of the side netting.

Ernst Middendorp’s charges remained resolute at the back with centre-pairing Eric Mathoho and Daniel Cardoso marshalling the defence, to take their team into the halft-time break with the slender lead.

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The second stanza started off on a high note once again, with SuperSport enjoying most of the possession, but were nearly conceded punished in the 68th minute when Nurkovic turned provider to play in Billiat, but the Zimbabwean pulled his strike inches wide of the upright.

Kaitano Tembo’s troops found their equalizer in the 84th minute through in-form striker Grobler who pounced on a close-range finish.

There was one last twist of drama in the 94th minute when SuperSport were awarded a penalty after substitute Lorenzo Gordinho was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the 18-yard area.

Grobler stepped up but his spot-kick was saved by Daniel Akpeyi who rescued his side from the jaws of defeat, as Chiefs’ 100 percent record to the new campaign ended, with both sides settling for a share of the spoils.