Kaizer Chiefs lacked a clinical touch in going down to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC in their DStv Premiership encounter at FNB stadium on Tuesday night.

Amakhosi were unable to convert numerous opportunities, having fallen behind to a Devin Titus goal on the very stroke of half-time. In a relatively uneventful opening 45 minutes, neither goalkeeper was troubled until Titus broke the deadlock in the final seconds of the referee’s one added minute of stoppage time.

Amakhosi had to withstand some early pressure from the visitors and the tenacity and aggression of the midfield pairing of Siyethemba Sithebe and Sibongiseni Mthethwa were effective in protecting the defence.

On the odd occasion they were bypassed, Edmilson Dove and Given Msimango were there to tidy up. Chiefs did enjoy some offensive periods, such as a shot from Pule Mmodi that just skimmed Sage Stephens’ crossbar in the 22nd minute and another effort blocked in the 42nd minute.

Mududuzi Shabalala also had a couple of attempts, first with a free kick that cleared the crossbar and a moment later when Sithebe won the ball back with a well-timed interception high up the pitch, saw his shot blocked for a corner, which was cleared.

With nine minutes to go Du Preez made a gap for himself to fashion a shot at goal but hit it straight at Stephens. As Amakhosi threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, Bvuma saved brilliantly in a one-on-one with Antionio van Wyk, who was clean through on the break.

Through no lack of effort, Chiefs could not find that elusive equaliser when the final whistle was blown. The result leaves them 7th in the table, and they will be determined to go all out for three points when they travel to East London to face Chippa United on Saturday.