Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs suffered their second loss to Royal AM in the DStv Premiership this season after going down 1-0 at Chatsworth Stadium.
Keagan Dolly was the Chiefs only change from their win over Sekhukhune United, with Khama Billiat on the bench.
Chiefs started the match on the front foot, with Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya seeing his long-range attempt blocked by the Royal AM defence before teammate Siyabonga Ngezana was denied by veteran goalkeeper Hugo Nyame.
The Soweto Giants continued to create chances but Bernard Parker’s header was blocked in the box while a later attempt from Reeve Frosler drifted inches wide of the right-hand post.
Royal AM grew in confidence as the half wore on, though, with Thato Lingwati’s header from the centre of the box blocked by the Chiefs rearguard on 34 minutes.
And just three minutes later, the hosts were awarded a penalty after Parker was adjudged to have fouled Zukile Mkhize in the danger area. Letsoalo stepped up to take it and held his nerve, placing his shot in the bottom-right corner.
Parker had a glorious opportunity to make amends for his earlier foul just moments after the restart but failed to hit the target with a headed attempt.
As the second half continued, Royal responded to Chiefs early thrates and Ndumiso Mabena flashed an effort from the angle on the right-hand side of the box that grazed the crossbar as it went over.
Billiat was brought on for Leonardo Castro and made an immediate impact dribbling past his marker on the left and getting to the byline before squaring into the box but Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Parker seemed to get in each other’s way as the former’s close-range effort was well saved by Nyame.
Chiefs were desperate for a strong finish with a few chances albeit half-hearted, but it was Royal AM that claimed the honours that threw them into second position on the table.
Other DSTV Premiership Results:
Maritzburg United 0 – 2 Chippa United.