But it was a good outing for defending champions Orlando Pirates who pipped Ajax Cape 1-0 in another match last night.
United’s first goal was scored by midfielder Moffat Mdluli in the 35th minute after a blunder by Reneilwe Letsholonyane. The goal was Mdluli’s first of the season.
Tebogo Langerman scored the second in the 80th minute from a goal-mouth melee.
United had the better of Chiefs in the opening 10 minutes of the contest and could have scored more had Ashley Hartog, Atusayo Nyondo and Langerman taken their chances.
But Amakhosi gained control of the match as the second half progressed though poor finishing by Lehlohonolo Majoro and Bernard Parker denied them goals.
United keeper Ronwen Williams and defender Davis Nkausu were busiest as they were always called to clear Chiefs’ sure goals.
Amakhosi coach Vladmir Vermezovic brought on Lucky Baloyi for Letsholonyane at the beginning of the second stanza.
Bafana Bafana midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala, who had a bad first half, gained composure in this stanza as he sprayed out good crosses that were squandered by Parker, Majoro and Abia Nale.
Chiefs continued to pile on pressure and camped in United’s half only to be denied by Williams who was on his best form. Langerman sealed the encounter 10 minutes from time.
Meanwhile, at Orlando Stadium, Pirates desperately needed the three points, keeping their unbeaten run at home even though they have garnered more draws than wins.
Benni McCarthy was instrumental in setting up the only goal of the game when he played a timely through ball to striker Thulasizwe Mbuyane in the fifth minute.
Mbuyane didn’t make a mistake, picking a spot to beat Ajax goalkeeper Sander Westerveld.
While Pirates have now been victorious in three of the six matches they have played at home, last night’s win was still not enough to get them back on track just yet.
Other matches, Mamelodi Sundowns prime striker Katlego Mphela came off the bench to score two goals as Sundowns saw off Santos 5-2 at Athlone Stadium.
The Brazilians scored two goals before the interval, thanks to goals by Nyasha Mushekwi and captain Teko Modise who netted from the free kick. Themba Zwane scored the other goal for Downs.
Eleazar Rodgers and Vuyisile Wana netted for the home side.
At Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Goodman Dlamini came off the bench and with only five minutes left, won the match 1-0 for AmaZulu against Platinum Stars.
Stars, especially coach Owen Da Gama, will look at this match and wonder why they did not even get a point. Based on their performance, it was the least they deserved. AmaZulu, to their credit, managed to soak up the hosts’ relentless assault and occasionally launched attacks of their own.
But Dinaledi should have won the match. Not only did they control the game, but Stars were also awarded a penalty when speedy winger Thuso Phala was fouled in the 18-yard box and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
Experienced striker Henrico Botes stepped up to take the spot kick but his effort came off the upright.
Goals by Katlego Mashego and Edward Mngele struck in each half to give Free State Stars a 2-0 win over Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium.
Bloemfontein Celtic and BidVest Wits shared the spoils 0-0 at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium last night as Celtic maintained their unbeaten home run this season.
