sportskeeda
Kaizer Chiefs’ assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef voiced his frustration after the Glamour Boys dropped two crucial points in a draw against AmaZulu during their Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Soweto giants had several prime chances in the first half but failed to convert, including a missed penalty and a disallowed goal, before ultimately managing to secure just one point.
Chiefs Fail to Capitalize on Opportunities in First Half
AmaZulu took the lead in the 21st minute through a goal from Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, punishing Chiefs for a brief moment of distraction. Shortly after, Chiefs had a chance to level the score when Glody Lilepo took a penalty, but Darren Johnson made a brilliant diving save to his right.
A few minutes later, Pule Mmodi’s attempt looked likely to find the net, but Khanyisa Mayo interfered from an offside position, leading to the goal being ruled off.
Chiefs equalized in the 32nd minute when Mduduzi Shabalala unleashed a powerful shot that hit the roof of the net, silencing some critics after recent lackluster performances.
The second half, however, saw both squads struggle to create significant chances, resulting in a stalemate.
Ben Youssef: “We Deserved to Win”
Post-match, Ben Youssef expressed his disappointment with the final score but commended his team’s performance.
“We had at least four opportunities in the first 30 minutes. Then we conceded a goal due to a brief lapse in concentration, just the slightest moment of lost focus. Football is all about the details,” Ben Youssef told SuperSport TV.
“Mentally, missing a penalty is tough, but the players kept battling. Shabalala found the back of the net, and we had another chance with Mayo, who was unfortunately ruled offside. In the second half, I truly believe we deserved to win. I’m happy with how we played, but not with the result. Wins will come in due time.”
Chiefs’ Ongoing Penalty Struggles
This draw highlighted Chiefs’ persistent woes at the penalty spot, having missed two penalties in consecutive matches — with Lilepo against AmaZulu and Gaston Sirino against Marumo Gallants.
Despite this, Ben Youssef supported his players:
“Sirino scored in the Nedbank Cup final. Penalties are always a 50-50 situation. We also have to recognize the goalkeeper’s effort. We simply need to keep working and stay focused.”
