Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs suffered their third successive defeat as AmaZulu walked away with all three points from FNB Stadium this afternoon.
A run of five unbeaten matches, including an initial three wins in a row, showed Chiefs finally was back into form after a dismal start to 2020-21, but they had only flattered to deceive.
The two successive draws in that run have been followed by three defeats, meaning Amakhosi have gone their last five matches without a win, coach Gavin Hunt still desperately seeking answers for his transfer ban-affected team.
Chiefs who ended the game with 10 men and suffered the ignominy of having former player Lehlohonolo Majoro score the decisive goal, have now suffered three straight losses across all competitions and gone four league matches without a win. They remain in ninth place on the log.
Amazulu, by contrast, have won four of their last five league matches and have risen to sixth place – seven points ahead of their vanquished opponents.
The early exchanges saw neither team take control of the game, though Chiefs were dealt an injury blow when youngster Happy Mashiane limped off to be replaced by Lebogang Manyama with just 15 minutes on the clock.
Chiefs had few clear chances in attack, with their best effort – a long range shot from makeshift midfielder Daniel Cardoso which flew into the stands on 44 minutes – reflecting a lack of penetration from the hosts through the first half.
It appeared the interval would arrive with the game still goalless, but AmaZulu claimed the lead in injury time. Siphelele Mthembu set up Siphelele Magubane with a clear sight of goal and the attacker saw his effort cleared off the line by Eric Mathoho, only for Augustine Mulenga to turn home the rebound and ensure a 1-0 lead for the visitors at the break.
AmaZulu had chances to add to their lead within the opening 20 minutes of the second half, with Mthembu unable to get the better of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune from two good opportunities, and those misses came back to haunt the visitors when Chiefs equalised midway through the half.
Tapelo Xoki was guilty of pulling back Samir Nurkovic in the 18-yard area, leading to a spot kick for the Amakhosi. Substitute Leonardo Castro tucked home the penalty to make it 1-1 on 67 minutes.
AmaZulu pushed on for a win and were rewarded for their endeavour in the 86th minute. Khune came well off his line to punch clear a corner kick, but only succeeded in pushing the ball up into the air, and former Chiefs player Majoro provided a masterful volleyed finish from a difficult position to make it 2-1 to the Durban side.
Chiefs will be back in Premiership action on Saturday with a match at home to SuperSport United, while AmaZulu’s next league clash is also against SuperSport, scheduled for March 2.