Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi rescued Kaizer Chiefs with several superb saves in a dour 0-0 South African Premiership draw at fellow strugglers Marumo Gallants yesterday.
Thabo Mnyamane thought he had put Marumo ahead 14 minutes from time in northern city Polokwane only to be thwarted by Akpeyi, whose brilliant reflex save diverted the ball on to the post and away from danger.
The save came just after Chiefs had been reduced to 10 men when left-back Sifiso Hlanti was shown a second yellow card, then a red for pulling back an opponent who posed no immediate threat to Akpeyi.
Gallants also finished the match a man short as midfielder Celimpilo Ngema was sent off 10 minutes from time for kicking the ball into the stomach of injured Zimbabwe forward Khama Billiat.
Chiefs came close to snatching an undeserved victory at the death as Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi spectacularly parried a point-blank Eric Mathoho header over the crossbar.
From the resultant corner, another Chiefs centre-back, Daniel Cardoso, headed wide to the relief of the home team.
Drawing lifted each club one place after Match-Day 5 in the richest African national league with a 15 million rand ($1 million/ 860,000 euros) first prize.
Chiefs rose to 12th , eight points adrift of pacesetters and defending Mamelodi Sundowns, and Marumo to 15h, above bottom club TS Galaxy on goal difference.