Kaizer Chiefs suffered their fifth defeat in the Absa Premiership after conceding a 3-0 loss to Chippa United at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The encounter got off to a slow start with both teams trying to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges of the match.
Amakhosi had a chance to break the deadlock after four minutes after Daniel Akpeyi fumbled the ball when trying to claim it, but neither Leonardo Castro nor Ryan Moon were able to capitalise on the error.
Steve Komphela was forced into making an early chance as Bhongolwethu Jayiya came on to replace Ramahlwe Mphahlele in the 13th minute.
The Chilli Boys then took the lead in the 25th minute when Thabo Rakhale made his way past Eric Mathoho before slotting the ball past the on-rushing Itumeleng Khune to make it 1-0.
Moon should’ve drawn his side level two minute before the half time interval, but Akpeyi made a superb save to deny the Chiefs forward from point-blank range.
The home side started the second half much like they’ve played the first as they managed to keep a hold of possession, but Chippa continued stood strong in defence.
Komphela was forced into making another substitution after Bernard Parker replaced the injured Teenage Hadebe.
Castro had an opportunity to pull a goal back in the 69th minute, but the Colombian fired his effort wide of the target.
Dumisani Zuma should’ve equalised three minutes later, but his diving header narrowly missed the target as his effort sailed wide of the target.
The Chilli Boys then doubled their lead in the 78th minute when Mxolisi Macuphu beat the offside to lob the ball past Khune following a defence-splitting pass from Linda Mntambo.
Amakhosi nearly scored a consolation goal three minutes from time, but Zuma failed to beat Akpeyi, who produced a fine save to deny the Chiefs winger.
Edward Manqele came off the bench and put the game to bed when he rounded off the scoring with a simple tap-in to give Chippa a 3-0 lead over the Soweto giants.
However, Chippa managed to hold on to their three-goal lead over Chiefs until the final whistle to collect all three points at the FNB Stadium.
In other Absa Premiership results:
Golden Arrow 1-1 Free State Stars