Chiefs' 30 shots at goal pays off in the end to take down 10-man Maritzburg in extra time

Kaizer Chiefs were put to the test but ultimately passed with a 2-0 victory at a sold-out Harry Gwala Stadium as 10-man Maritzburg United took the visiting side to extra time in their Nedbank Cup Round of 32 on Friday.

The win sees Amakhosi advance to the last 16 for the first time in three seasons as Arthur Zwane chases the final piece of silverware on offer for the club with the DStv Premiership already within Mamelodi Sundowns' grasp.

Chiefs, who are seeking to avoid an eighth season without winning a major trophy, registered 30 shots at goal, with only seven hitting the target compared to Maritzburg's 11 strikes but five threatening goalkeeper Brandon Peterson. Despite the staggering statistic difference, the tale of a match is that it could have gone either way.

Amakhosi wasted no time penetrating the home side in attacking and pushing numbers forward, with their roaring fans winding them along with cheers, song and dance.

Mduduzi Shabalala, a shining light in the Chiefs' attack, was set up by Siyethemba Sithebe, but his low shot was too soft, and King Ndlovu quickly tamed the effort with a save.

Seconds later, Maritzburg responded as Kwame Peprah's shot ricocheted off a Chiefs defender but nearly snuck into the back of the net as Peterson's goalkeeping awareness triggered at the right moment to steer the ball to safety.

Zwane's charges could not break down Maritzburg, as they maintained most of the ball possession. Still, Davids's charges were set up well defensively, putting their bodies on the line to keep the scores goalless and pounce on any available counterattack opportunities.

And putting their body on the line is what Maritzburg captain Travis Graham did. After being on a yellow card, he received his marching