Durban City enjoyed the better chances in their Betway Premiership encounter with Stellenbosch FC at the Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday evening, but had to settle for a 0-0 draw.
While the first half was largely a tight, hard-fought affair, it was the home side who were on top, having created several good goal-scoring opportunities.
Stellenbosch though were to have the first clear opening of the evening when City were unable to clear an aerial ball into the box, the ball falling kindly for George Matlou, who skied his shot from close range over the goal in the 14th minute.
Gaston Sirino was meanwhile looking lively for the Durban side and he was not far off the target in the 28th minute after cutting inside from the left and sending a curling effort marginally over the far post from a tight angle.
Seven minutes later a thrilling City move down the right flank saw Sirino combining incisively with Samkelo Maseko, who got his shot past goalkeeper Sage Stephens – only for the ball to be cleared off the line by Given Msimango.
There was another shot from Sirino, off target, as City continued to push for a goal ahead of the interval.
The visiting side came out with renewed intensity after the restart, City doing though well to absorb the pressure and ensure there was no threat to their goal.
The Durbanites then created a few openings around the hour mark – Bandile Shandu having his attempt blocked by Terrence Mashego and Ethan Brooks sending a shot wide from the edge of the area.
There was a great chance for City in the 72nd minute some slick interplay ended with the ball worked to Luphumlo Sifumba on the right hand side of the box, but there were to be no celebrations as his parting shot flew well over.
Four minutes later and the hosts looked set to take the lead when Tashreeq Morris pulled the trigger in the box, only for Msimango to throw himself in front of the ball to clear off the line.
At the other end, goalkeeper Frederick Asare was called into action on 78 minutes, making a smart stop to keep out a sweetly-struck curling shot by Sinoxolo Kwayiba.
City however looked the more likely team to win it and could have done so in the 81st minute when Sifumba’s cross picked out Jean Lwamba, but unfortunately his header went over the crossbar.
The citizens now turn their attention to Sunday’s CAF Confederations Cup preliminary fixture against Rukinzo at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, 3pm.
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