Polokwane City condemned Kaizer Chiefs to a 1-0 loss in an Absa Premiership encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Steve Komphela made four changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Golden Arrows, with Lorenzo Gordinho, Keagan Buchanan, Joseph Molangoane and Bernard Parker all being handed starting berths.

The home team got off to a bright start and made their attacking intentions clear with Simphiwe Hlongwane’s surging run down the wing.

Amakhosi dominated possession, with Buchanan being deployed just in front of the back four. This tactic allowed the likes of George Maluleka, George Lebese and Molangoane to occupy more attacking positions.

A good passing move by Chiefs saw Lebese find Molangoane behind the City defence in the ninth minute, but the winger rushed and fluffed his shot with his weaker left foot.

The home side showed flashes of promise and came close to scoring in the 21st minute when Rodney Ramagalela got on to the end of a squared pass, but the forward blasted his effort high and wide after being put under pressure by Ramahlwe Mphahlele.

City grew in confidence and started to see more of the ball, with Jabulani Maluleka coming to life for the home side. A crucial clearance by Eric Mathoho, with Walter Musona lurking behind him, ensured that the score remained level.

Neither side were able to find the back of the net in a first half which lacked clear-cut opportunities.

Both sides emerged with more of an attacking intent in the second half. Molangoane should have broken the deadlock moments after the restart of play, but the winger took a second too long to fire his shot away.

Amakhosi appeared to inch closer to scoring, but the City goalkeeper was in fine form and denied Ekstein from close range.

Komphela introduced Gustavo Paez and Ryan Moon for Parker and Buchanan, while Phuti Mohafe brought on Rendani Ndou for Musona. The latter’s substitution almost paid dividends when Ndou was gifted a great opportunity, but Itumeleng Khune showed his class to deny him.

The home side took the lead in the 75th minute through veteran defender Thapelo Tshilo.

Chiefs were unable to find a goal in the remaining minutes of the encounter as Polokwane City ran out 1-0 victors to severely dent Chiefs’ chances of clinching a CAF Confederation Cup berth.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/Backpagepix