By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs finally ended a winless run in the Betway Premiership after beating Durban City 1-0 at the FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The win sees Chiefs leapfrog City into fifth place in the league, and they are now just a point behind third-placed Sekhukhune United with two games in hand.
Chiefs looked to get off to a quick start, and Ashley du Preez had the first shot as early as the second minute, dragging an effort wide of City goalkeeper Darren Keet’s right-hand post.
Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba also sent attempts off target within the opening 20 minutes – a period of dominance for the men in gold and black.
City missed the presence of central midfielder Athini Jodwana who was suspended after being shown a red card in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals against Golden Arrows last weekend. Joslin Kamatuka came in together with Emmanuel Jalai, while Samkelo Maseko was sacrificed.
The only goal of the game was scored on 69 minutes and it was a cracker by Glody Lilepo, firing in from the edge of the box with a shot that had little backlift but plenty of power.
Chiefs had to survive a nervy ending to the game, with City pushing hard for an equaliser – including a couple of goal-line clearances in injury time.
The teams will be back in the Premiership next weekend, with Chiefs hosting Magesi FC on Saturday 21 March, while City will be at home to KwaZulu-Natal rivals Richards Bay the following day.