The match ended 0-0 but it was Santos who appeared a sure bet for the three points.

On a night when the defence appeared at sea for most of the game without the experience and composure of injured Cyril Nzama, Baloyi stood between Amakhosi and a possible defeat. But the Cape side failed to capitalize on their aerial strength and somehow failed to take advantage of spaces on the right.

The Chiefs strike force also seemed to have left their firing boots at home with caretaker coaches Doctor Khumalo and Donald Khuse starting with David Radebe and Phumlani Mkhize but the combination failed to produce results.

Chiefs striker Kabamba Musasa missed this crunch Premiership clash due to injury and Phumlani Mkhize took his place in the starting line-up.

Musasa aggravated an injury in the 2-2 Premiership draw against SuperSport United and was unable to recover in time to face the Cape side. The only other change in the side that drew to United was defender Peter Matshitse who came on for Fabian McCarthy who was also injured against United

The introduction of Shaun Permall in place of Radebe on 75 minutes came too little too late as Santos had their foot on the accelerator forcing Chiefs to defend for the better part of last quarter of the match.

Santos had a couple of chances with the Chiefs defence exposed on 20 minutes following a corner that was almost steered home by Musa Otieno but his attempt flew wide.

Santos' best chance came in the 77th minute with second half substitute Peter Kirsete laying in a good cross from the left that found Fees Moloi in a good position but his attempt was excellently saved by Baloyi.

A minute later Santos were back in the offensive with Tyrone Arendse firing from inside the box but defender Peter Matshitse threw his body in the line to deflect the ball and only went as far as Kirsten, whose shot went against the side netting.

Moloi, who replaced injured Kamaal Saait on 31 minutes watched in anguish as his last minute attempt missed by inches deep in injury time.

As the referee signaled the end of the match, former Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral, now at Santos, was probably more convinced that the opposition had luck in abundance to come out of Athlone alive.

Teams

Santos: Andre Arendse, John Mbidzo, Edries Burton, Kamal Saait, David Notoane, Tyrone Arendse, Musa Otieno, Patrick Twala, Mxolisi Mchunu, Sebastian Bax, Jean-Marc Ithier.

Chiefs: Brian Baloyi (16), Patrick Mabedi (5), Peter Matshitse (25), Buti Sithole (35), John Moshoeu (91), Kelvin Mushangazhike (7), Patrick Mbuthu (28), Martin Carelse (2), David Radebe (31) (Permall 75th), Phumlani Mkhize (26) (Maselesele 60th) and Stanton Fredericks (10) (Mooki 74th).

Subs: Rowan Fernandez (1), Rodney Thobejane (3), Lucky Maselesele (9), Shaun Permall (19), Thabo Mooki (12), David Kannemeyer (66), Tenashe Nengomashe (8)