Kaizer Chiefs clinched the full three points when they beat SuperSport United 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening. The DStv Premiership win is a huge relief to the hosts who were out to avoid their fourth defeat in a row, Christian Saile and Mduduzi Shabalala netted the goals for Chiefs.
Chiefs vs SuperSport: Amakhosi to Avoid Fourth Defeat
Chiefs headed to encounter under pressure from three losses at the hands of Richards Bay, Chippa United and Stellenbosch. Under the guidance of Cavin Johnson, Amakhosi knew they were skating on thin ice as far as their top-eight qualification hopes.
The interim mentor made no changes in his squad from their loss to KZN Rich Boyz and meeting a youthful SuperSport was not going to be easy. On the part of Gavin Hunt, the visitors came to their 25th match on the back of a defeat at the hands of the Chilli Boys, Stellies in the Nedbank Cup and a draw versus PSL returnees, Polokwane City.
Amakhosi Start on a High Note
Related: PSL: Who Will Clinch The Footballer Of The Year Gong?
The Soweto giants started the clash on a high note as they forced SuperSport to stay in their half in search of an early goal. Their efforts were rewarded when Saile converted in the 19th minute.
There was a scramble in the box and a loose ball found the lanky hitman unmarked on the right wing, he hit it the first time giving Washington Arubi no chance. The Spartans swiftly responded to the goal and pushed Amakhosi’s defence.
Keenan Bezuidenhout had a chance on the left flank, he fired a great shot but Bruce Bvuma produced a fine save to deny the 21-year-old and conceded a corner. Chiefs dominated the proceedings and doubled their lead through skipper Given Msimango but the referee flagged him for offside. However, they headed to the tunnel in the driving seat.
SuperSport Starts the Second Stanza Better Than Chiefs
In their return from the dressing room, Hunt made three changes as he looked to find an early equaliser and capitalise on Chiefs’ shaky defence.
Related: Sundowns To Pocket R1 Billion, Fans Gutted After CAF CL Exit
Amatsatsantsa A Pitori made changes and Hunt introduced Siviwe Magidigidi, Lyle Lakay and Terrence Dzvukamanja – the changes proved influential. The Tshwane giants were rewarded when Sifiso Hlanti was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area.
Dzvukamanja converted from the spot and levelled the matters, 1-1 in the 53rd minute. The Amakhosi family was excited when teenage sensation Mfundo Vilakazi was introduced.
The change made an immediate impact when Shabalala scored his first goal in the league – he unleashed a half-volley from the edge of the area to beat Arubi with 14 minutes to go.
In the wake of this win for the Glamour Boys, Chiefs now move from number 10 to number eight on the log table with 33 points from 25 matches while the visiting SuperSport sit sixth with 35 points.
Chiefs vs SuperSport What’s Next:
Amakhosi will shift their focus to the bumper clash against Mamelodi Sundowns who will visit them at the iconic FNB Stadium on Thursday, May 02. Meanwhile, the three-time league champions will meet Royal AM on Workers Day.
Related: DStv Premiership: Who Are The Players With Most Match Awards