Soccer

Will the trophy drought continue? Leopards frustrates Chiefs in Limpopo

14 April 2019 - 00:00 By SAZI HADEBE

Kaizer Chiefs failed to get a morale-boosting victory over relegation-fighting Black Leopards at Thohoyandou Stadium yesterday ahead of a must-win encounter with Chippa United in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Madagascan international Arohasina Andrianarimanana scored his first goal in Amakhosi colours in the 10th minute of this fast-paced game, but Ernst Middendorp's side failed to defend their lead.
Chiefs were seeking to recover from their 1-0 defeat to Baroka at home last week.
A swinging free kick by defender Tebogo Munyai was driven home by Lifa Hlongwane, though television slow-motion showed that the Leopards player could have been off-side.
Chiefs had looked in control of the match when they found the back of the net in the 10th minute but barely 12 minutes later Leopards had found the goal that could be vital in their fight to avoid the drop straight after gaining promotion.
TROPHY DROUGHT
For Amakhosi this draw did nothing to enhance their slim chance of lifting the league title, but critically it doesn't inspire much confidence going into their Nedbank Cup semifinal encounter against Chippa on Saturday either.
Chiefs are looking to end their trophy drought that is now close to four years and winning the Nedbank Cup will put a slight gloss on another forgettable campaign for Amakhosi.But judging by their huffing and puffing in the scorching sun of Limpopo yesterday, there seems to be no clear sign of Kaizer Motaung's side turning the corner soon.Looking ahead to the Chippa game, Middendorp made seven changes to the team defeated by Baroka. The rejigging included the returning central defender Lorenzo Gordinho and right back Reeze Frosler, who both made their first start this season after joining the club in January.For Leopards the point might just reignite their hopes of survival after two destabilising back-to-back defeats against Polokwane City (3-1) and Orlando Pirates (2-0).Leopards had a few chances to seal all three points in the second half, with Karabo Tshepe coming close with a low shot in the 78th minute.As the game moved to a close, Chiefs looked deflated and with no clue how to unlock the home team's defence in an attack spearheaded by Bernard Parker, Khama Billiat and Bryce Moon. who came on as a late substitute for Kabelo Mahlasela, the provider of Andrianarimanana's goal.Black Leopards(1) 1Kaizer Chiefs(1) 1GOALS: Leopards - Lifa Hlongwane (22min); Chiefs - Arohasina Andrianarimanana (10min)..

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