Ernst Middendorp enjoyed a winning start as Kaizer Chiefs secured a 1-0 victory against SuperSport United courtesy of George Maluleka’s lone-strike, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
The Soweto giants went into the clash on the back of a two-game consecutive winless streak having suffered defeats to Golden Arrows in the league as well as succumbing to a 2-1 defeat to Zimamoto of Zanzibar on in their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary clash, which ultimately cost coach Giovanni Solinas his job.
Matsatsantsa also went into the game on the back of ta two-game winless streak with their most recent defeat (2-1) coming at the hands of arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the Tshwane Derby.
Chiefs started the brighter of the two sides and came agosingly close to breaking the deadlock through Khama Billiat’s well-struck freekick in the opening exchanges.
The Soweto giants continued to dominate, but proved wasteful with their finishing which was characterised byLeonardo Castro’s sitter in the 12th minute after Billiat brilliantly beat the offside trap to lay the ball off for the Columbian.
Billiat again carved open the SuperSport defence in the 20th minute, this time putting Lebogabng Manyama through on goal but the former Cape Town City man’s goalbound effort was cleared away for a corner by Ronwen Williams.
SuperSport were handed a rare opportunity after good attacking interplay saw Aubrey Modiba cut the ball back for Fagrie Lakay in the area, however the attacker’s goalbound effort was blocked.
The visitors upped their tempo and should have taken the lead in the 28th minute when a swift attacking move saw the ball fall for Evans Russkie in the area, however goalkeeper Virgil Vries did well to deny him with his feet.
Chiefs had the best opportunity of the game when an excellent through ball from George Maluleka saw Billiat go one-on-one with Williams, but the Zimbabwean international opted to shoot when a pass to Castro seemed a more viable option.
Both sides opted for changes in the second-half with Thuso Phala replacing Lakay, while Kabelo Mahlasela came on for Ntshangase.
The tempo of the game slowed down a bit after the restart of the second-half, but sprung to life when Billiat when on a powerful run with his subsequent effort being tipped away by Williams.
Chiefs made another change as Bernard Parker was introduced for the out-of-sorts Castro, while James Keene came on for Evans Rusike.
Captain George Maluleka broke the deadlock for Chiefs in the 65th minute when his long-range effort evaded Williams.
Billiat became guilty of selfishness minutes later when a swift counter-attacking move saw Chiefs break with the numbers of their side, however Billiat saw his name in the headlines and opted to shoot when a pass seemed a better option.
In the end, it proved a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Chiefs who could have added a lot more goals to their tally, but found goalkeeper Williams in excellent form.
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