A penalty save midway through the second half by goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi helped Kaizer Chiefs secure a 1-1 draw with Maritzburg United on Sunday in the South African Premier League.
Lebogang Manyama headed Kaizer Chiefs into a first half lead after just 21 minutes, but the home team drew level thirteen minutes later through Judas Moseamedi as both sides went into the break with the scoreline at 1-1.
But Maritzburg returned from the break the better side and unleashed an onslaught that nearly blew the league leaders out of the game, but for the bravery and agility of their Nigerian goalkeeper Akpeyi, who made a series of fine saves.
Maritzburg United were then awarded a penalty kick just past the hour mark, but the Super Eagles goalkeeper saved Daylon Claasen’s effort to keep Ernst Middendorp’s side on level terms.
The 33-year-old Nigerian dived to his right and used both hands to push Claasen’s spot-kick onto the post, and to safety.
Kaizer Chiefs would be the happier of the two sides with the share of the spoils at the Harry Gwala Stadium in eastern city Pietermaritzburg.
Chiefs have now won 11 matches, drawn two and lost only one in the Premiership this season. The league leaders, seeking a first league trophy in five seasons, head into the mid-season break with 35 points from 14 matches, seven more than defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
