Kaizer Chiefs (0) 2
(Castillo 60’, Dove 76’)

Sekhukhune United (1) 1
(Mokwana 45’)

Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Kaizer Chiefs produced one of their best performances under Coach Molefi Ntseki as they came from behind to beat Sekhukhune United 2-1 in a thrilling DStv Premiership encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Wednesday evening.

Second half goals by Edson Castillo and Edmilson Dove were no more than Amakhosi deserved on a night where they controlled most of the match, and then responded impressively after falling behind to a sucker punch on the stroke of halftime.

Almost incredibly, Sekhukhune went into halftime with a 1-0 lead, as virtually the entire preceding 44 minutes were played in their half.

From the get-go, Amakhosi were on the front foot, employing a high press to keep the visitors pinned back.

As early as the fourth minute, Edson Castillo won the ball high up the pitch and released Ashley Du Preez, who forced a save from Sekhukhune goalkeeper, Badra Sangare.

Six minutes later, Castillo, looking sharp, stole the ball again in a dangerous area, as Babina Noko tried, unsuccessfully, to beat the swarming Amakhosi press, but also found his way blocked by Sangare when, perhaps, a square pass might have given Du Preez or Christian Saile, a tap in.

On the half-hour mark, Du Preez left former Chiefs defender Daniel Cardoso in his wake as he sped onto a Castillo through ball and Sangare had to charge a long way off his line to foil him at the last moment.

Sekhukhune had been restricted to just a single half-chance when Chibuke Ohizu latched onto Kamohelo Mokotjo’s lofted ball over the defence, but Njabulo Ngcobo, making his first start of the season in place of Given Msimango, produced a magnificent tackle to deny the Nigerian a shot on goal.

Then, as it seemed the half would end goalless with a minute to go, Jamie Webber won the ball off Yusuf Maart in midfield and fed Ohizu, who slipped in Elias Mokena’s, making a late run, and he made no mistake with a composed finish.

It was the first goal Amakhosi have conceded in a home league fixture this season.

Amakhosi continued keeping faith with the tactics Ntseki had set out for them into the second half and the pressure mounted on the creaking Sekhukhune defence as Du Preez, Pule Mmodi and Maart all went close.

With an hour gone, Amakhosi drew level in an action-packed sequence that saw Mmodi capitalise on an under-hit Sangare pass and try a shot at goal. The ball struck a defender and squirted out to Du Preez, whose snap shot appeared to be flying wide until Castillo launched himself forward to head it home.

The action had the Amakhosi faithful bouncing in the stands as their heroes went all out for a winner on the field.

With their tails up, and having introduced new signing Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa for his debut, Amakhosi went in search of more goals.

They thought they had it with 15 minutes remaining when George Matlou rose to meet Du Preez’s corner only for his header to rebound back off the upright.

However, they didn’t have to wait long as, not 30 seconds later, Reeve Frosler’s cross was met with a powerful header by Edmilson Dove – still forward for the previous corner – that beat Sangare all ends up and sent the crowd into a frenzy of joy.

A rasping drive from another sub, Ranga Chivaviro stung Sangare’s palms and another fierce effort from Dove was blocked as it veered goalwards.

Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen had a little scare right at the end when Sibusiso Vilakazi nodded a header against the base of the post and Kgomotso Mosadi headed the rebound wide.

The match drew to a close with the Khosi Nation in full voice, holding up signs declaring ‘Love & Peace’ and ‘Unity’, once again demonstrating the true nature of the Club’s wonderful and loyal fanbase.

The victory takes Chiefs up to fifth place in the DStv Premiership standings, with 11 points from their eight matches.

Next up is a league meeting with Cape Town City at FNB stadium on Tuesday, 3 October.

Line-ups:

Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen © (1), Dove (2), Ditlhokwe (24), Nj Ngcobo (27), Frosler (39), Maart (8)(Mdantsane (3) 78’), Castillo (17) (Mthethwa (5)64’), Matlou (22) (Msimango (25) 90’), Mmodi (13)(Shabalala (42) 78’), Saile Basomboli (21)(Chivaviro (7) 64’), Du Preez (9)

Subs not used: Khune (32); Kwinika (4), , Zwane (37), Potsane (11),

Coach: Molefi Ntseki

Sekhukhune Utd: Sangare (30); Mobbie (2), Mabotja (3), Cardoso © (4), Tshibwabwa (29), Mokotjo (24), Mokwana (17), Webber (8) (Mtshali (6) 86’), , Ohizu (34) (Mncube (10) 71’), Mkhize (15) (Vilakazi (11) 81’), Byalwa (18) (Mosadi (40)81’)

Subs not used: Leaner (16), Mkhabela (27), Ntiya-Ntiya (36), Rikhotso (22), Dias (25)

Coach: Brandon Truter