Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi saved a penalty as Kaizer Chiefs survived a second-half onslaught from Maritzburg United to force a 1-1 draw Sunday.
The 33-year-old Nigerian dived to his right and used both hands to push a Daylon Claasen spot-kick onto the post and away to safety midway through the second half.
It was his third penalty save this season.
Both goals came before half-time at Harry Gwala Stadium in eastern city Pietermaritzburg with Lebogang Manyama putting Chiefs ahead and Judas Moseamedi equalising.
Chiefs, seeking a first trophy in five seasons, go into a mid-season break with 35 points from 14 matches, seven more than defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
German coach Ernst Middendorp was grateful for the point, but unhappy with the performance of a team that has won 11 matches, drawn two and lost only one in the Premiership this season.
“After a good start and scoring first we fell away badly and rarely threatened to score in the second half,” he admitted.
“There were far too many mistakes from some of our most experienced players, many of whom really impressed in training this week.
“However, we have a seven-point lead going into the second half of the season and that is a good position to be in.”
Credit: punchng.com
