Kaizer Chiefs’ Youssef after AmaZulu draw: It’s very tough mentally
Kaizer Chiefs’ interim coach Khalil Ben Youssef expressed frustration over a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu, highlighting missed opportunities, including a penalty and an offside goal, while emphasising the mental challenge for players and the need for continued effort. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
There’s no disputing that Kaizer Chiefs were left rather frustrated after a 1-1 Betway Premiership draw with AmaZulu at FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening, and AmaKhosi interim coach Khalil Ben Youssef explained as much.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya opened the scoring in the 21st minute and just over 10 minutes later Mduduzi Shabalala levelled the score.
However, after that Glody Lilepo missed a penalty and Khanyisa Mayo’s needless interference denied his teammate Pule Modi a goal.
In Mayo’s case, he was in an offside position when Modi’s shot was about to cross the goal line when he saw fit to bang the ball into the open net. That rendered the goal offside, and if Mayo had just left the ball it would have been a certain goal.
Missed Opportunities and Penalty Drama: Youssef Reflects on Draw
“It was a goal, Mayo touched the ball then he was offside and also in the second half I think we deserved to win, deserved the three points,” Khalil Ben Youssef told SuperSport after the game.
“What I have to say? We made the first 30 minutes of the first half we created four minimum chances to score then we conceded a goal, missed focus, wasn’t concentrating. As I said for the players always, football is playing in small details.”
Youssef conceded it was difficult to settle for the draw after they had missed such good chances.
“It’s very tough mentally for the players when you have a penalty and miss a penalty, but we continued to fight we scored with Shabalala then we got opportunities.
"I’m happy about the performance, but the result it will come with time.”
"You know, penalties are a 50% chance also and you have to say congratulations to the keeper also he saved the penalty, we have to continue to work. We have nothing to say now, but the opportunity to continue to work."