Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs refreshed their chances of qualifying for the Caf Champions League with a hard fought 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon.
Chiefs began the game with intent and managed to force three corners in the opening two minutes of the game, as the Soweto giants attempted to lay down the marker early on.
The game opened up just before the 10-minute mark as Sekhukhune managed to create a couple of chances, with goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma summoned to make his first save of the match.
Khama Billiat, who has been Chiefs’ top assist-maker this season, proved to be a bright spark for his side and continued to add pressure from the left flank.
In what has been a pattern leading up to the half-hour mark, Chiefs saw more of the ball as Sekhukhune United were reduced to hitting the Glamour Boys on the counter-attack.
A long ball played into the Sekhukhune box saw Billiat collecting the ball as he tried to cut in and shoot. However, the home team’s defence remained tight to deny the Zimbabwean one of the best chances of the game in the first half.
In the 37th minute of the game, Billiat dinked the ball into the area from a set-piece situation as Ramahlwe Mphahlele opened the scoring for Amakhosi, after he capitalised on Edwin Gyimah’s miscued header inside the area.
As the referee blew the halftime whistle, Chiefs entered the break as the better of the two sides thanks to Rama’s effort.
The second half saw the Glamour Boys enjoy large spells of possession, while Sekhukhune rang the changes during the first 10 minutes of the second half.
With 71 minutes on the clock, second-half substitute Prince Nxumalo nearly drew one back for the home side as the Sekhukhune players who were introduced began linking up in attack.
Amakhosi then decided to reshuffle their pack, with Lazarous Kambole and Happy Mashiane joining the fold with just over 10 minutes remaining on the clock.
Both teams continued to generate chances, however, none troubled the goalkeepers. With five minutes left on the clock, it was the visitors who had been slightly ahead in terms of attempts going forward.
Sekhukhune pushed for an equaliser, however, it was not to be at the Emirates Airline Stadium as Chiefs managed to secure the three points.
Meanwhile the relegation battle will go down to the wire after TS Galaxy and Marumo Gallants played out to a goalless draw at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
Elsewhere Stellenbosch FC embarrassed Mamelodi Sundowns as they claimed a surprise 3-0 win in a DStv Premiership match at the Absa Tuks Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
DSTV Premiership Results
Swallows FC 0-0 Chippa United
Golden Arrows 2-2 Royal AM
Cape Town City 0-0 Amazulu
Baroka 3-1 Supersport United.