Chiefs Keep Unbeaten Charge Alive In Five-Goal Siwelele Thriller

JOHANNESBURG – Kaizer Chiefs are refusing to blink. Amakhosi extended their unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season on Sunday, surviving a late Siwelele fightback to claim a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Dobsonville Stadium and climb to third on the log.

The Soweto giants now have 11 points from five matches after three wins and two draws in their opening four games, moving above AmaZulu FC and underlining their early-season credentials.

The Soweto giants made their intentions clear from the opening whistle, dominating possession as they looked to return to winning ways after being held to a draw by Richards Bay a fortnight ago.

Despite controlling the early exchanges, Chiefs initially struggled to create clear-cut chances, with most of their efforts coming from distance.

Their persistence eventually paid off in the 29th minute when Mfundo Vilakazi opened his league account for the season with a composed finish from a tight angle after Siwelele goalkeeper Xulu had rushed off his line.

Chiefs continued to dictate the tempo and thought they had doubled their advantage when Duba fired home from close range, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

The first half was a stark contrast to the teams’ league meeting in April, with Chiefs firmly in control and Siwelele struggling to find a way through the Amakhosi defence.

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Vincent Pule and Sphesihle Jeza found little joy in the final third as Chiefs went into the interval with a deserved lead.

Da Cruz’s charges picked up where they left off after the break, continuing to press for a second goal. Vilakazi remained a constant threat, switching flanks and causing problems for the Siwelele defence.

Chiefs finally extended their lead in the 65th minute when Mduduzi Shabalala delivered an inviting cross into the box. An unmarked Duba reacted sharply to flick the ball into the net, taking his league tally to three goals this season.

Siwelele responded almost immediately.

Three minutes later, Orlando Pirates loanee Aphiwe Baliti pulled one back for the hosts, scoring his first goal in the top flight and giving Siwelele renewed hope.

But Chiefs restored their two-goal advantage in the 76th minute in unfortunate fashion for the home side.

Faiz Abrahams’ free-kick struck the upright before ricocheting off goalkeeper Xulu and into the net for an own goal.

Siwelele refused to give up and grabbed a second goal deep into stoppage time when Tebogo Potsane cut the ball back for Michel NGuessan, who smashed his effort in off the crossbar.

The late strike, however, came too late to change the outcome as Chiefs held on for a 3-2 victory and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.