Kaizer Chiefs rock United

Red Devils look far from impressive in Cape Town contest

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 22nd July 2008

chris eagles manchester united

Eagles: United equaliser

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Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Kaizer Chiefs in the opening game of the Vodacom Challenge.

United fell behind to a first-half penalty from Jonathan Quartey, but Chris Eagles spared their blushes when he nodded home a leveller midway through the second period.

Sir Alex Ferguson named a strong starting XI against South African opposition but the Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners toiled away to no avail during the opening 45 minutes.

The Red Devils dominated possession at the Newlands Stadium, but failed to create any openings of note as they looked bereft of attacking ideas without the talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo.

Their subdued approach to the contest was then punished on 38 minutes when a clumsy challenge from Gary Neville saw the Kaizer Chiefs awarded a penalty.

Quartey took responsibility from the spot and showed ice-cool composure as he sent Tomasz Kuszczak the wrong way to give the hosts a surprise lead.

However, United's class was always likely to shine through eventually and they forced an equaliser on the hour mark.

Carlos Tevez did well to dig out a cross from the right and, after the ball had looped over Itumeleng Khune's fingertips, Eagles was on hand to head home at the far post.

Both sides had a number of half chances as time ebbed away, but neither were able to find a winner and the game drifted tamely towards a draw.