Soweto – Kaizer Chiefs co-head coach Khalil Ben Youssef said his team had no excuses after a 0-0 Betway Premiership draw with Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Wednesday.
Ben Youssef acknowledged that Chiefs created chances but failed to convert them. “Congratulations to Chippa, they had a good structure and were fighting for every challenge. For us, there is no excuse. We had a lot of opportunities. We have to continue to work to correct the same problem. Every time we get into the last third and don’t score,” he told SuperSport TV.
Chiefs, who sit fifth in the league, are five points behind leaders Orlando Pirates after 12 games. They can cut the gap to two points with a win against TS Galaxy on Sunday, while Pirates play Marumo Gallants in the Carling Black Label Knockout final on Saturday.
The team’s struggles in front of goal remain a concern, with just 13 goals in 12 Premiership matches, including a 4-1 win over Orbit College. Ben Youssef said, “We have to continue working. It is our job to fix the mistakes and the job of the players sometimes to find the right decision in the final third.”
Flavio Da Silva missed a close-range opportunity in the first half after Asanele Velebayi’s cross. In the second half, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo forced a fine save from Chippa goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi, who also tipped Mduduzi Shabalala’s shot onto the post.
Defensively, Chiefs have shown improvement this season, conceding only six goals in 12 matches, second only to Orlando Pirates’ five.
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