Chiefs draw in fascinating match
Chiefs draw in fascinating match

Posted in Match Report, News, Team News on Mar 18, 2017.

Chiefs draw in fascinating match

Twice Kaizer Chiefs got ahead and twice Baroka FC fought back to equalise. The Absa Premiership clash between the two sides was fascinating to watch, with both teams displaying some good attacking soccer. Erick Mathoho and Bernard Parker netted for the Glamour Boys.

Long before kick-off there was already a lively atmosphere at Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium with the Chiefs supporters attending the game in full force.

This motivated the Amakhosi side to such an extent that the enthusiastic fans were rewarded with an early goal, in the sixth minute. Erick Mathoho tapped in a cross from the left from Parker, who worked hard and had a fine game as the lone striker up-front.

Chiefs looked set to dominate the early proceedings, but Baroka, despite their last position on the log standings, showed a spirited display. This resulted in an equaliser in the 10th minute via Victor Letsoalo.

Thereafter, Amakhosi took control of the game, pushing the home side on the back foot. Edmore Chirambadare was a continuous threat on the left-wing, while Willard Katsande and Lucky Baloyi mastered the midfield.

The second goal came just before the half-time break from the penalty spot after Siphiwe Tshabalala was adjusted by referee Victor Gomes to have been brought down by his opponent. It was a correct decision. ‘Die Hond’ Parker took the spot kick and easily slotted the ball in the back of the net, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Chiefs continued to dominate ball possession early on in the second half. Slowly, however, the home side started to push for an equaliser.

Coach Steve Komphela made a few changes, bringing on William Twala (for Chirambadare), Gustavo Páez (for Parker) and George Lebese (for Joseph Molangoane). The last one got a roar of applause from the Amakhosi faithful as he came onto the field. The skilful winger is obviously a crowd favourite in Polokwane.

There was, however, a set-back for the Glamour Boys in the 80th minute when Baroka equalised after an excellent run with the ball from Mxolisi Kunene.

The game was flowing up and down, with both sides getting some opportunities to score the winner, but it wasn’t to be. The match ended in a two-all stalemate.

“Two points lost,” rued coach Komphela afterwards, not being happy about the way the two goals were conceded.

Amakhosi are now in fourth position on the Absa Premiership standings, having collected 36 points from 21 matches. That’s only three points behind log leaders Cape Town City (39 from 21 games).

Chiefs next host Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 1 April (kick-off is at 20:15).

Baroka FC          (1) 2 (Letsoalo 10’, Kunene 80’)
Kaizer Chiefs    (2) 2 (Mathoho 6’, Parker, penalty, 45’)

Baroka FC: Masuluke; Mapetho, Mahashe, Shaka, Madubanya (Chauke 59’); Matloga, Letsoalo (Kunene 61’), Kgaswane, Ravhuhali; Motshegwa (Moeti 76’), Matlakala

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune; Mphahlele, Mathoho, Cardoso, Masilela; Molangoane (Lebese 75’), Katsande, Baloyi, Tshabalala, Chirambadare (Twala 69’); Parker (Páez 72’)

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