AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs drew 0-0 in an Absa Premiership match at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday night.

The draw takes Usuthu to ninth spot on the league standings, while Amakhosi also climb up sixth place on the table.

The match got off to a lively start with Usuthu applying some pressure on the Amakhosi defence as the hosts looked to break the deadlock.

Itumeleng Khune, the Chiefs goalkeeper, produced two good saves to deny AmaZulu duo Rhulani Manzini and Siyethemba Mnguni within two minutes.

Manzini unleashed a long range shot which was saved by Khune, who then made a great save to deny Mnguni from close range.

Usuthu continued to push for the opening goal, but Mhlengi Cele and Michael Morton placed their efforts wide of the target.

Amakhosi had a rare chance in the 26th minute following a scramble in the Usuthu box and Philani Zulu fired over the crossbar from close range.

The hosts were unfortunate not to break the deadlock 12 minutes later as AmaZulu piled more pressure on Chiefs.

Khune saved Mbongeni Gumede's effort, before the Chiefs shot-stopper denied Phumlani Gumede from the rebound.

AmaZulu and Chiefs were locked at 0-0 at half-time thanks to Khune's great saves which kept Amakhosi in the game.

The hosts were awarded a penalty a few minutes into the second-half after Siyabonga Ngezana was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.

Manzini, who is Usuthu's top goalscorer this season, stepped up and he was denied by Khune from the spot-kick.

Cavin Johnson, the Usuthu head coach, reacted by introducing Ovidy Karuru, a former Chiefs player on the hour mark.

AmaZulu goalkeeper Boalefa Pule was finally seriously tested in the 66th minute when he made a good reaction save to deny Chiefs striker Gustavo Paez.

Chiefs pushed for a late winning goal and Pule pulled off a good save to deny Parker with time running out.

Phumlani Gumede, the Usuthu defender, was sent off in the 89th minute, but AmaZulu stood firm at the back and the match ended in a goalless draw.

TEAMS

AmaZulu: Pule B, Gumede P, Gumede M, Mtsweni, Sikhakhane, Morton, Ncube, Mnguni, Ncobeni (Karuru 60'), Cele (Darpoh 90'+1), Manzini (Ntsundwana 82').

Chiefs: Khune, Cardoso, Hadebe, Ngezana, Zulu, Katsande, Maluleka, Ekstein (Tshabalala 66'), Molangoane, Páez (Zuma 83'), Parker (Jayiya 88').