The Zimbabwean striker leads the Premier League goalscoring charts with eight goals, but was unable to add to his tally as City keeper Joe Hart enjoyed an inspired game.

Although David Nugent was unlucky to see his second-half effort strike the foot of the post, the England under-21 keeper also pulled off a miraculous save to deny Glen Johnson before the break as he tipped a rasping drive on to the crossbar.

Benjani said: 'It is disappointing we didn't win the game, but a draw is okay.

'We hit the post and the crossbar and could have won.

'But their goalkeeper played very well and sometimes it does not go for you like this.'

With Papa Bouba Diop serving a one-match ban, Harry Redknapp sprung a tactical surprise before the game, opting to revert to a 4-4-2 formation as Kanu joined Benjani in attack.

And the pair linked up well in the first period, before the Nigerian succumbed to a hamstring problem just past the hour mark.

But the former Auxerre hitman believes it makes little difference to Pompey which system they play.

He said: 'We created a lot of chances and it doesn't matter to us whether we play 4-4-2 or 4-5-1.

'The morale is still high, we didn't concede any goals, so things are good for us.'

While his own chances in front of goal were limited, thanks largely to terrific defensive displays from Micah Richards and Richard Dunne, the 29-year-old turned in a typically hard-working shift.

He said: 'We have a lot of players who can keep the ball and can play it around. It makes it much easier for the strikers.

'At the moment, it must be very difficult for the coach to pick the team.

'We have a lot of good players who all want to play.'

Was a draw a fair result against City? What do Pompey need to do to unlock sides at home? Sign on or register on this page or click here to send an e-mail.