Kaizer Chiefs suffered their third defeat in the Absa Premiership after falling to a 2-1 loss against Maritzburg United at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Daniel Akpeyi came into the squad in place of Itumeleng Khune, while Khama Billiat returned to the starting lineup alongside Leonardo Castro and Samir Nurkovic.

Amakhosi showed their intent early on and nearly took the lead but Khama Billiat fired his long-range effort wide of target.

Samir Nurkovic had a great chance to hand Chiefs the lead in the 25th minute but the Serbian’s header was kept out by Richard Ofori before Daniel Cardoso failed to make the most from the rebound.

Ofori was once again called into action when he produced a good reflex save to deny Nurkovic’s low start for the second time.

Despite the Chiefs’ onslaught in Maritzburg’s box, neither side were able to get the breakthrough as the game went into half time locked at 0-0.

The Team of Choice came out guns blazing in the second half and took the lead after 65 minutes of play when Daylon Claasen found the net with a superb finish after an error from Akpeyi.

Maritzburg then doubled their lead a minute later when Claasen directed his header past Akpeyi to make it 2-0.

Nurkovic managed to pull a goal back in the 77th minute when he directed his glancing header past Ofori to reduce the deficit.

Williams Katsande had a great chance to draw the game level with four minutes to play but the midfielder’s shot from distance flew inches wide of the target.

Maritzburg managed to hold on to their 2-1 lead over Chiefs to walk away with all three points at the FNB Stadium.