Chiefs and Wits share the points
Chiefs and Wits share the points

Posted in Match Report, News on Sep 16, 2017.

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Tshabalala 53’)

Bidvest Wits (0) 1 (Gamal 90+2’)

What Happened?

Kaizer Chiefs and BidVest Wits drew one-all in an Absa Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening. Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the opening goal in the 53rd minute and it looked long as if Amakhosi would win the game until the visitors equalised in the dying minutes of the game.

Coach Steve Komphela sent the same starting XI into the field against Wits that so convincingly beat Cape Town City on Wednesday.

The visitors started the match as the slightly better team, trying to make up for their poor start to the league season so far.

As a result, Itumeleng Khune was the busier of the two goalkeepers. However, this didn’t mean that Amakhosi were toothless. Far from it, the Glamour Boys popped up a few times dangerously in the Wits box, looking to open the score.

Chiefs, meanwhile, was composed at the back, while Tshabalala looked threatening, often tucking inside from the left wing. Bongolethu Jayiya operated more behind Gustavo Páez, even though being positioned slightly to the right of him.

Wiseman Meyiwa started in his second game for Chiefs and the youngster played as if he has already been in the team for years, looking unruffled and measured when in possession of the ball.

The reigning league champions, Wits, got a set-back just before half-time, when their right-back Nazeer Allie was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Amakhosi were a little more adventurous in the second half with Tshabalala firing an early shot at goal just a few minutes after the break. The shot, however, flew wide of goal.

There were some good attacking movements on the right in the 53nd minute, with the ball reaching Kgotso Moleko, who had sprinted into the box. Chiefs’ right-back passed the ball to the centre in front of goal with Tshabalala working the ball past the Wits goalkeeper, 1-0.

Just a minute later, the visitors nearly equalised, but the shot delivered from outside the box hit the sidebar.

That was the moment that the Clever Boys coach, Gavin Hunt, decided to come with a double substitution, trying to spur his side to do better.

Despite being down to ten men, the visitors did get a few opportunities to equalise, although Chiefs continued to be the more dangerous side, looking threatening whenever counter-attacking.

The first half was maybe a bit disappointing, but the second half was great to watch and had the supporters entertained throughout.

Sadly, Wits managed to find the equaliser just before the final whistle of the referee, with their Egyptian striker Gamal putting the ball past Khune in the 92nd minute. It was an unlucky ending to a game in which Amakhosi fought hard for the three points.

Key moment in the match:

The second yellow card and with it, his marching orders, was handed to Bidvest Wits’ Nazeer Allie in the 44th minute by referee Phelelani Ndaba. The right-back’s second card was given after bringing down Siphiwe Tshabalala, who had slipped passed him.

Most Valuable Player (MVP):

It was difficult to choose the most valuable player, as both Kgotso Moleko and Bongolethu Jayiya were excellent. Moleko defended well and was also present to deliver the assist for Siphiwe Tshabalala to pounce on. Jayiya was full of energy, showing a great fighting spirit throughout the game. In the end, the Absa Premiership Man of the Match was given to Itumeleng Khune, who also had an outstanding game, making numerous saves.

What it means:

Kaizer Chiefs have now collected five points from four league matches. This means that Amakhosi are now in 8th position on the Absa Premiership log, three points behind the present log leaders, Maritzburg United, Baroka FC and Orlando Pirates.

Kaizer Chiefs 11: Khune; Gordinho, Katsande, Cardoso; Moleko, Maluleka (Buchanan 67’), Meyiwa, Jayiya, Zulu; Tshabalala (Twala 78’), Páez (Parker 72’)

Subs not used: Khuzwayo, Molangoane, Chirambadare, Ekstein

 

Bidvest Wits 11: Josephs ; Allie, Khumalo, Hlatshwayo, Hlanti; Claasen (Ntshangase 57’), Scott (Motshwari 57’), Pienaar (Mhango 64’), Pelembe; Gamal Amr, Pule

 

Subs not used: Peters, Klate, Rodgers, Mlambo

Next Match: Kaizer Chiefs will next travel to Pietermaritzburg to face Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium on Wednesday, 20 September (kick-off is at 19:30).

 

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