City's goalkeeper denies Chiefs a crucial victory

24 February 2016 - 03:07 By Marc Strydom

Goalkeeper George Chigova almost single-handedly stood between Kaizer Chiefs and another victory last night as Polokwane City held Amakhosi to a 1-1 Absa Premiership draw at FNB Stadium. Thobani Mncwango put City ahead in the 31st minute before Mulomowandau Mathoho equal-ised six minutes later.Steve Komphela's men looked convincing but were denied a fifth victory by an inspired second-half performance by Chigova.Chiefs found their stride in the second half to lay siege to City's goal. Only Chigova's saves - each more breathtaking than the last - kept Amakhosi at bay.George Maluleka's cross in the fifth minute found Camaldine Abraw for a free header that should have been on target.City right back Mfundo Phungwayo's well-shaped cross was met by Mzikayifani Ngidi deep in the area. He attempted to place a header but the ball rolled inches wide.City took the lead when Jabu Maluleke rifled in his freekick from the right of the area for Thobani Mncwango to nod past Reyaad Pieterse at the near post.Chiefs applied pressure, seeking to level matters. From Siphiwe Tshabalala's corner, Mathoho rose to head past Chigova.Polokwane now seemed to have some answer to Chiefs' fluid passing as Maluleka's chip in from the right found Abraw free. But Chigova's body again came between Amakhosi and taking the lead.And the best was yet to come from the Zimbabwean as in the 75th he got down to his right to palm away Maluleka's volley with a world-class save.In the 82nd minute, Chigova twice stopped substitute Sula Matovu before Abraw scrambled over. But the Togolese had used his arm to control the ball.When Chigova was finally beaten by Willard Katsande's header - at the end of an astonishing seven minutes of injury time - Cole Alexander cleared off the line...

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