Late Lilepo leveller not enough as Chiefs miss Top 8 chance

Sekhukhune United 1 – 1 Kaizer Chiefs

Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane – Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of climbing back into the Top 8 suffered another blow on Saturday afternoon as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sekhukhune United in Polokwane – despite a spirited fightback from the Soweto giants.

The hosts stunned Amakhosi early on when Ellis Rammala opened the scoring in the 5th minute, taking advantage of a sluggish start by a Chiefs side still basking in their recent Nedbank Cup success.

Chiefs struggled to find their rhythm for much of the first half, with the pressure mounting from both the scoreboard and an expectant travelling support. But just when it looked like they’d go into the break trailing, Glody Lilepo stepped up with a well-taken equaliser right before halftime to breathe life back into the contest.

Both sides showed attacking intent in the second half, with chances falling at either end, but neither could find the breakthrough as the match ended in a stalemate.

Captain Yusuf Maart voiced his disappointment at full-time, acknowledging that Chiefs had targeted maximum points to edge back into the top half of the table. “We came here to win – nothing less. The fans deserve better,” he said.

With just one league match remaining, Amakhosi’s quest for a respectable finish remains under threat, while Sekhukhune’s solid campaign continues to keep them in contention for a top-half placing.