Kaizer Chiefs endured a frustrating evening at the New Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane on Saturday as they went down 1-0 in a Betway Premiership encounter against SuperSport United, a match they did more than enough to win.
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A 43rd-minute goal from Tashreeq Morris decided the match, although Makhosi spurned numerous opportunities to score.
The match kicked off in a cacophony of noise generated by the fantastic crowd of over 35 000, overwhelmingly backing Amakhosi, as was evident by the Gold & Black that illuminated the packed arena.
Kaizer Chiefs began on the front foot, zipping the ball around at pace trying to probe for openings.
They found SuperSport United in less generous mood than last weekend as Matsatsantsa appeared more compact and resolute.
Much of Amakhosi’s best attacking work came don the right flank, with Reeve Frosler supporting the ever-growing talent of Wandile Duba, who was a constant threat with his direct running and fine close control.
Kaizer Chiefs ought to have been awarded a penalty after 20 minutes when SuperSport United defender Bilal Baloyi clattered into Edson Castillo inside the penalty area.
The referee, however, failed to see the contact on the Venezuelan and waved play on.
It proved even costlier for coach Nasreddine Nabi because Castillo had to be replaced by Yusuf Maart four minutes later as a result of the challenge.
On 34 minutes, Mduduzi Shabalala cleverly fashioned an opening for Duba but the teenager shot tamely straight at the goalkeeper.
SuperSport United took the lead totally against the run of play two minutes before half-time, as Nyiko Mobbie played a square ball from the right wing that caught the Amakhosi defence square and Morris ran onto the ball and beat Fiacre Ntwari with a left-footed shot.
Despite having the lion’s share of possession and territory, Kaizer Chiefs went into the break 1-0 behind.
The second period was a virtual procession in the direction of the SuperSport United goal, yet try as they did, Kaizer Chiefs could not penetrate the defiant Matsatsantsa rear guard, led by the experienced Thulani Hlatswayo.
Just after the hour mark, substitute, Mfundo Vilakazi set up Shabalala but he was unable to convert.
The same fate befell Samkelo Zwane, Maart and Chivaviro, who also had efforts on goal without reward.
Amakhosi were forced into attempts from range and with time ticking away, Vilakazi unleashed a rocket that debutant ’keeper, Thakasani Mbanjwa, miraculously tipped past the post at full stretch.
From the resultant corner, a Njabulo Blom attempt narrowly cleared the crossbar, landing on top of the goal.
It was the last realistic scoring opportunity on an evening that Nabi will want to consign to the dustbin of history as soon as possible and focus on areas of improvement for the challenges ahead.
The performance itself was encouraging and with the hard work everyone is doing in training, it seems it is only a matter of time before they find the clinical edge that will see the end of nights like this one.
The defeat means Amakhosi now lie ninth in the Betway Premiership standings on six points from four matches, with another match in Polokwane coming up on Tuesday night against Magesi FC.
TEAMS
Kaizer Chiefs
Ntwari (30), Frosler (39), Miguel © (84), Dortley (14), Cross (48) (Blom (6)48’), Zwane (37), Castillo (17) (Maart (8) 23’), Shabalala (42), Sirino (10) (Vilakazi (28) 56’), Chivaviro (7), Duba (36) (Du Preez (9) 67’)
Subs not used: Bvuma (44), Msimango (25), Mashiane (19), Mmodi (13), Ngcobo (12)
Coach: Nasreddine Nabi
SuperSport United
Mbanjwa (1), Mobbie (2), Baliti (29), Hlatswayo © (3), Okon (13), Morris (14) (Lungu (17) 84’), Ndlovu (8), Mangezi (9) (Pule (15) 65’), Baloyi (42), Mbangosooun (5), Ayer (25) (Sanoka (4) 77’)
Subs not used: Xulu (30), Lakay (24), Jansen (21), Rapoo (19), Poggenpoel (18), Mahlangu (45)
Coach: Gavin Hunt
Are Kaizer Chiefs’ title chances over before the season barely started?
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