A wasteful Kaizer Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man AmaZulu in their first leg MTN8 semi-final at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Usuthu looked to have started the game to remain defensively compact and allowed Gabadinho Mhango and Dumisani Zuma to roam freely for counter-attacking options.
And head coach Brandon Truter’s plan worked early on as the Malawi Footballer of the Year netted a stunning opener after 14 minutes after taking down a long-ball with a sublime touch and slotting home past Itumeleng Khune.
Chiefs looked to get back into the game immediately and showed plenty of attacking impetus with the likes of Kgaoelo Sekgota and Yusuf Maart getting the fans off their seats as they drove forward at every opportunity.
Ashley du Preez who was partnered up with Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, however, was guilty of missing an open goal after being put clean through, only for his shot to be sent straight at Veli Mothwa and the follow-up was hit over the post.
In the second half, Bimenyimana was guilty of missing a big chance of his own from close range but shortly after, Veluyeke Zulu, who was part of Truter’s back-five received a red card for a clumsy challenge which allowed Chiefs to start strangling them in their own half in the 54th minute.
It took just six minutes for Amakhosi to then level matters with second-half substitute Keagan Dolly, who was brought off for an ineffective Siyethemba Sithebe at the break.
The winger arrived late in the area from a cutback to smash the ball past Mothwa and it was the start of a wave of attacks for Chiefs.
Chiefs continued to push for a winner, but were creating less chances in the final 15 minutes. A header by Bimenyimana that just missed the post in the 85th minute was the best opportunity to grab a first-leg victory.
Substitute Mhango and AmaZulu goalkeeper coach Johan Abselon were sent off in the 88th minute after some clash of words with Victor Gomes from the bench.
