Kaizer Chiefs produced a heroic defensive display as a Samir Nurkovic strike handed the Glamour Boys a 1-0 win over Wydad Casablanca at the Stade Mohamed V in Morocco in the first leg of their Caf Champions League semi-final.
Chiefs went into the game knowing that they face a side in fine form with the Moroccans unbeaten in their last 13 games leading up to the encounter.
It was thus no surprise as the home side started strongly and forced Bruce Bvuma into a save in the 3rd minute as the keeper dealt easily with Mohammed Ounnajem’s attempt.
Wydad were dominating the ball with Chiefs happy to sit back and defend deep, while looking to hit on the counter.
Despite all their possession the home side were struggling to create clear cut chances and were reduced to long range strikes, while Chiefs had a rare chance with 24 minutes gone as Bernard Parker’s effort was deflected behind for a corner.
Bvyna was the called into action again as he produced a stunning save in the 30th minute to keep out Muaid Ellafi’s header moments after Walid El Karti headed wide.
It was, though, Amakhosi who took the lead against the run of play moments later as Samir Nurkobiv rounded off a lightning counter, stroking home Njabulo Blom’s cross with class. The goal was initially ruled off for offsides but a VAR check proved otherwise as the technology came to Chief’ aid.
Bvuma then made another smart save to keep out Aymane El Houssani’s free kick in stoppage time as Chiefs took their 1-0 lead into the break.
Wydad continued to push forward in the second half and were starting to resort to some dirty tactics to convince the referee to award them penalties.
The Soweto giants were provided a half chance in the 62nd minute but Blom couldn’t keep his volley down as the home side went up the other ends and forced Bvuma into yet another top class stop two minutes later to keep out El Hassouni’s powerful long range attempt.
Ounnajem’s free kick chance in the 78th minute went just narrowly over, as Chiefs continued to hold out in Casablanca.
Wydad went close again in the 82nd minute but Cardoso made a clearance off the line,while Bvuma saved El Karti’s shot four minutes later.
Chiefs in the end managed to hold on for a famous win in Morocco which hands them a slender advantage heading into the second leg.
