Chiefs end painful run with hard-fought Durban City victory
· The South African
After three consecutive Betway Premiership defeats, Kaizer Chiefs returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 victory over Durban City on Sunday afternoon, a result that offered some much-needed relief after a difficult few weeks.
Looking to shake things up following the loss to Richards Bay FC, the Amakhosi technical team made several changes to the starting line-up.
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Inacio Miguel, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Mduduzi Shabalala, Ashley Du Preez, Glodly Lilepo and Wandile Duba were all brought back into the fold as the Soweto giants searched for renewed energy.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP: KAIZER CHIEFS 1-0 DURBAN CITY
Looking to shake things up following the loss to Richards Bay FC, the Amakhosi technical team made several changes to the starting line-up. Inacio Miguel, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Mduduzi Shabalala, Ashley Du Preez, Glodly Lilepo and Wandile Duba were all brought back into the fold as the Soweto giants searched for renewed energy.
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From the opening whistle, Kaizer Chiefs tried to stamp their authority on the contest, pushing forward with intent while Durban City matched them with a determined defensive approach.
The visitors carved out the first real opportunity midway through the first half. Mfanafuthi Mkhize rose highest from a corner delivery but could only direct his header over the crossbar.
Kaizer Chiefs responded shortly afterwards through Duba, who showed good footwork to beat several defenders before firing a low effort from a tight angle that rippled the side-netting.
The hosts continued to probe as the half progressed. Shabalala drifted into a central position just outside the box and attempted to curl an effort towards goal, but goalkeeper Darren Keet gathered comfortably.
At the start of the second half Kaizer Chiefs introduced Asanele Velebayi for Du Preez, hoping the winger’s pace could unlock the Durban City defence. His arrival added fresh urgency in attack and forced the visitors deeper into their own half, though clear opportunities remained limited.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the closing stages of the match. Substitute Mfundo Vilakazi slipped a pass into the path of Lilepo, who took a touch before unleashing a powerful strike from outside the area that flew into the top corner.
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Buoyed by the goal, Lilepo nearly doubled the advantage moments later when he raced onto a through ball behind the defence, but his effort sailed over the bar after beating the offside trap.
Durban City pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, yet Kaizer Chiefs stayed organised at the back and saw out the match to secure a valuable victory and bring their losing streak to an end.
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