Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs climbed to second spot on the DStv Premiership after defeating Soweto rivals Swallows FC 3-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat (two) saw Chiefs to victory and three points, rising to second spot on 22 points (eight adrift of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played a game less), while the Birds have dropped below Marumo Gallants on goal difference and now occupy 16th spot after stretching their winless run to 11 matches.
Chiefs created the first clear chance of the match on 13 minutes, with Dolly’s reverse pass from the right flank picking out Bernard Parker’s run, though the veteran was forced wide and saw his effort from a tight angle saved by goalkeeper Jody February.
Amakhosi enjoyed more of the ball, though Swallows did offer a threat on the counter attack, with Monnapule Saleng and Kamohelo Mahlatsi often making smart runs into the half-spaces between fullbacks and centre-backs.
Chiefs were rewarded with an opening goal in the 43rd minute with Anthony Akumu won the ball high up the pitch Billiat teed up Dolly, and the attacker steered a right-footed shot into the net via the legs of February for a 1-0 lead.
And that advantage was doubled in injury time before the break, with Ramahlwe Mphahlele winning the ball down the right, exchanging passes with Dolly before squaring for Billiat, who burst into space in the box and then provided an excellent finish into the roof of the net from a tight angle for a 2-0 Chiefs lead.
Swallows looked to step up a gear or two at the start of the second half, but on 53 minutes they found themselves 3-0 down thanks to another fine goal from Billiat, who picked up a pass from Parker and beat two defenders before firing home a left-footed shot that hit the back of the net via the face of the unfortunate February.
The Birds responded with a double change – sending on Keletso Makgalwa and Ruzaigh Gamildien – but it was starters Grant Margeman and Lebohang Mokoena who got their team back in the game just after the hour mark.
It did the trick as the Birds pulled a goal back shortly after the hour mark. Grant Margeman delivered an inswinger from the left and Mokoena flicked the ball with the outside of his foot off Daniel Cardoso and into the bottom right corner with a clever piece of improvisation.
Swallows continued to trouble Chiefs with shots from all angles in pursuit of a comeback, but it wasn’t to be as the visitors snatched victory.
Meanwhile Lamontville Golden Arrows edged out ten-man Baroka FC 3-2 in the DStv Premiership match at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Durban, on Sunday afternoon.
Other DSTV Premiership Results:
Maritzburg United 1-1 Amazulu.