Kaizer Chiefs' CAF Champions League ambitions suffered a knock after a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants at the FNB Stadium.
The Amakhosi welcomed back Yusuf Maart from suspension as he missed the win over Stellenbosch FC, with young Samkelo Zwane given another start after impressing last weekend.
Chiefs needed just six minutes to stamp authority when Ashley Du Preez charged down on goal from the left of the area and fired in the far corner of the net.
Du Preez should've had a second goal after nine minutes with a back-heel attempt from a knockdown by Christian Saile Basomboli, but the effort didn't cause enough problems for Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
As Chiefs continued to have the bright opening, Gallants grew in confidence and levelled nine minutes to halftime when Ranga Chivaviro stole possession off Edmilson Dove and tucked in from a tight angle.
The Amakhosi looked to regain the lead over five minutes to the break from a free-kick in the area, but Sifiso Hlanti's glancing header following the supply sailed across the face goal.
Chiefs threatened to re-take the lead again shortly after halftime where a flying header by Siyabonga Ngezana flashed wide of target, as Gallants went to sleep on a corner.
The Glamour Boys missed another opening minutes apart from a first-time shot in the box by Basomboli after a flick-on from captain Keagan Dolly.
With Gallants launching shot of their own, the host pulled on a double substitution over 20 minutes from time in George Matlou and Happy Mashiane.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa's courage nearly led to the winner in the last ten minutes when a glancing header by Mpho Mvelase came off the upright.
There were chances either end with Chiefs particularly dangerous on the counter-attack, but the winner didn't come as the host rued the chance to close-in on second spot with Gallants off the bottom.
Confirmed line-ups:
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Solomons, Dove, Ngezana, Hlanti, Maart, Zwane, Shabalala, Dolly, Du Preez, Saile.Subs: Khune, Kwinika, Sithebe, Ngcobo, Matlou, Mashiane, Mahlatsi, Bimenyimana, Sekgota.
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Mvelase, Mabotja, Gumede, Nkili, Mohomi, Nku, Otladisa, Chivaviro, Ngema, Koapeng
Subs: Watenga, Thangwane, Moseamedi, Pheko, Makudubela, Maraisane, Nkosi, Cheick, Kumalo.
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
Click here to register: Sign In