We hit the crossbar, we had two efforts cleared off the line and an header saved by the shoulder of Tim Howard yet one mistake by Kaboul and a bit of class from Louis Saha has condemned Pompey to defeat once again.
Everton had their own chances as Fellaini had his effort saved by James who didn't know much about it and Tommy Smith cleared Tim Cahill's header off the line.
But I feel a draw is the least we deserved after we dominated from the moment Stephen Pienaar was stretchered off to the fury of the Pompey fans who believed he was feigning injury and time wasting.
Aruna Dindane arguably had our best chance that wasn't a set-piece after he turned Distin and was one-on-one with Howard but he struck the ball straight at him.
We had plenty of other chances but you just feel that fate has intervened and conspired against Pompey. Everton were poor and yet we couldn't force the ball in the net for all the trying.
The players gave everything and were applauded off the pitch for their efforts and rightly so. On another day we could have won this game but I have said the same thing for every home game we have played this season.
It's hard to criticise this performance in the context of our current season but there are a few problems that need addressing.
Firstly, it is clear that Aaron Mokoena is the poorest player in the team and needs to be dropped after another poor performance. His passing is not good enough and he really should have buried that chance when he hit the crossbar.
Paul Hart must also take some criticism for failing to change the game whether it be tactically or with his substitutions. He left it far too late to bring on an extra attacker when we were on top and so neither Kanu or Webber had enough time to influence the outcome of the game.
I can't blame him for anything else though. The players seem motivated enough and they gave their all again. The effort was there and there was some quality but we need to get Dindane 100% fit and we need to iron out the mistakes at the back quickly.
We are now 7 points from safety and most of the teams above us have a game in hand. I refuse to give up hope but that may change in two games time if we fail to beat Tottenham in a game that is going to have a "last chance saloon" feel about it, although in reality we need a win at Wolves next week too.
There is still some promise and as long as the players keep at it then our luck will have to turn sooner rather than later. I can only urge the rest of you not to accept relegation as a nailed on certainty yet, because there is plenty more football to play.
On a final note, Sylvain Distin was the last player to leave the pitch today and whilst he was initially jeered, respectful applause emerged from the stands which he returned, which was a nice gesture.
However, I expect the abuse at men previously associated with Pompey during the next home game to reach a whole new level in a fortnight from now.
Pompey Player Ratings
David James: 7 - A couple of very important saves.
Anthony Vanden Borre: 6 - Continues to improve.
Marc Wilson: 6 - Solid return to the side.
Younes Kaboul: 6 - Error of judgement for the goal but still did his fair share of the work.
Tal Ben Haim: 7 - Looks much better at left back.
Aaron Mokoena: 5 - Not good enough.
Michael Brown: 6 - Workmanlike but outbattled at times.
Jamie O'Hara: 6 - Bright spark but his crosses lacked usual accuracy.
Kevin-Prince Boateng: 7 - A touch of class.
Tommy Smith: 6 - Gave his all and showed some nice touches.
Aruna Dindane: 6 - Could be the answer to our attacking problems once he is 100% fit.
Substitutes
Asmir Begovic
Mike Williamson
Nadir Belhadj
Hayden Mullins
Hassan Yebda (Mokoena 73): N/A - Looks good and should be given his chance next game.
Kanu (Brown 81): N/A - Should have been introduced earlier.
Danny Webber (Smith 90): N/A - Why bring him on with only stoppage time to go?