Mabaso Strikes as Chiefs Earn Gritty Draw at Leeds
Kaizer Chiefs U21 produced a disciplined and hard-working display to earn a 1–1 draw against Leeds United U21 at the Thorpe Arch Training Ground, continuing their promising UK Tour.
Chiefs were the better side in the first half, settling quickly after a slow start and creating several chances through confident build-up play. Their pressure paid off in the 29th minute when Manqoba Ozoemena, Phago and Gopolang Taunyana combined brilliantly to set up captain Thulani Mabaso, who finished calmly for a deserved 1–0 lead. Chiefs could have doubled the advantage before the break but wasted two clear openings due to overcomplicating play in the box.
Leeds responded strongly after half-time. Chiefs began the second period brightly but conceded a penalty in the 53rd minute following a clumsy challenge. Harry Gray stepped up and converted to level the match at 1–1.
The equaliser shifted momentum firmly towards the hosts. Chiefs’ rhythm dipped, and a series of avoidable mistakes invited pressure. Leeds pushed aggressively for a winner, especially in the final quarter-hour, forcing the South Africans to defend deep.
Despite being on the back foot late on, Chiefs showed resilience and organisation to hold out for the draw.
Full-Time: Leeds United U21 1–1 Kaizer Chiefs U21
Chiefs impressed with their first-half control and second-half fighting spirit, earning another valuable result on English soil.