POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 26: during the Betway Premiership match between SuperSport United and Kazier Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)
Kaizer Chiefs have suffered back-to-back defeats in the Betway Premiership after losing 1-0 to SuperSport United on Saturday afternoon.
Betway Premiership
Result: SuperSport United 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Date: 26 October 2024
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium
Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi made just one change from last week’s Carling Knockout win over SuperSport, as captain Yusuf Maart made way for Edson Castillo in the middle of the park.
SuperSport, meanwhile, made eight changes as Thulani Hlatshwayo, Tashreeq Morris and Siphesihle Ndlovu were the only players to maintain their starting spots from Tuesday’s loss to Orlando Pirates.
The game got off to a lively start, with the likes of Wandile Duba and Mduduzi Shabalala seeing a lot of the ball on the wings however clear-cut chances were hard to come by in the opening 20 minutes.
Nabi, however, was forced to make a change at the midway point as Castillo’s evening came to an end after failing to recover from a knock, with Yusuf Maart brought on as the replacement in midfield.
After spells of sloppy play, it was SuperSport who broke the deadlock two minutes before the break when Ndlovu’s superb cross found Morris, who sent a first-time finish past Fabrice Ntwari to open his account for the club.
Nabi responded with a double change in the second half, as Gaston Sirino and Bradley Cross made way for Mfundo Vilakazi and Njabulo Blom as the formation had to be tweaked.
Chiefs dominated possession in the second period but SuperSport could have doubled their lead advantage after the 67th minute but Morris was unable to direct his header on target from six yards out.
The Soweto giants had scored in every fixture this season before the encounter with SuperSport, but frustration began to grow as they were restricted to efforts from distance for most of the half.
Goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa, who was making his season debut, ensured SuperSport walked away with maximum points after producing a superb save to keep out Vilakazi’s powerful strike that seemed destined for the far corner.
Here’s how they lined up:
SuperSport United: 1. Mbanjwa, 2. Mobbie, 29. Baliti, 42. Baloyi, 13. Okon, 3. Hlatshwayo, 8. Ndlovu, 5. Mbangossoum, 25. Ayer, 9. Mangezi, 14. Morris.
Subs: 30. Xulu, 17. Lungu, 4. Sanoka, 21. Jansen, 19. Rapoo, 24. Lakay, 18. Poggenpoel, 45. Mahlangu, 15. Pule
Kaizer Chiefs: 30. Ntwari, 39. Frosler, 84. Miguel, 14. Dortley, 48. Cross, 37. Zwane, 17. Castillo, 42. Shabalala, 10. Sirino, 36. Duba, 7. Chivaviro
Subs: 44. Bvuma, 25. Msimango, 19. Mashiane, 8. Maart, 6. Blom, 12. Ngcobo, 28. Vilakazi, 13. Mmodi, 9. Du Preez
.