Chiefs outclass Sekhukhune for second league win

Luke Baartman © Gallo Images

Kaizer Chiefs made it two wins from as many Betway Premiership matches in the new season after they defeated Sekhukhune United 2-0 at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Amakhosi – who suffered a surprise exit from the MTN8 this past weekend – bounced back in style by returning to the top of the log with a full haul of six points, securing the victory thanks to second-half strikes from Luke Baartman and Mduduzi Shabalala.

Chiefs dominated possession from early on, but struggled to piece together any notable attacks, leaving the likes of Langelihle Phili and Etiosa Ighodaro frustrated at a lack of opportunities.

For their part, Sekhukhune offered up the occasional threat on the counter attack, but Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was hardly called into action through the first half, leaving the score 0-0 at the interval.

The visitors also suffered an injury blow just before the break when Vuyo Letlapa succumbed to a knock and was replaced by Mokibelo Ramabu.

The Amakhosi showed more intent in the second half, with Phili having their first notable shot on target, a long-range drive in the 54th minute that was well saved by United goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata.

The hosts’ greater urgency was rewarded in the 63rd minute when they put together a fine passing move which ended with Luke Baartman sweeping home a low shot from Phili’s assist for a 1-0 lead and his first goal for Chiefs.

Sekhukhune responded well to going behind and began to create attacking moments, most notably in the 82nd minute when substitute Lehlohonolo Mojela controlled a cross in the penalty area and was able to turn and shoot, but his effort went straight at a grateful Petersen.

Two minutes later the Amakhosi ended the game as a contest, with Siphesihle Ndlovu playing a superb through ball to pick out fellow sub Mduduzi Shabalala, who finished calmly for a 2-0 lead.

The teams will return to Premiership action this coming Saturday, 15 August, with Chiefs at home to Mamelodi Sundowns, and Sekhukhune hosting Polokwane City.

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 2 (Baartman 63’, Shabalala 84’)

Sekhukhune United 0

CHIEFS: Petersen, Solomons (Monyane 77’), Kwinika, Inacio, Frosler (Nkgwesa 70’), Maboe, (Ndlovu 77’) Mthethwa, Velebayi (Vilakazi 66’), Baartman (Shabalala 66’), Phili, Ighodaro

SEKHUKHUNE: Nsabata, Mashiloane, Matsimbi, Cardoso, Letlapa, Khiba (Vandala 60’ [Tlaka 80’]), Mkhize (Mojela 80’), Khupe, Rammala, Mokoane (Mobbie 60’), Ndlovu

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