Kaizer Chiefs moved to within five points of Absa Premiership leaders Orlando Pirates after claiming a narrow 1-0 victory over Maritzburg United at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
Ernst Middendorp’s side ended their three-game winless run in the league last weekend when they claimed a 3-2 victory over Highlands Park in Durban.
Meanwhile, Eric Tinkler’s men have begun to pick up form after coming from behind to secure a 2-1 win over AmaZulu in their last league encounter.
The home side got off to a good start and produced the first chance of the game through Bernard Parker, but the veteran striker was only able to find the side netting.
The visitors nearly found the back of the net in the 14th minute after Mohau Mokate met a Mxolisi Kunene corner, but failed to hit the target with his header.
Khama Billiat had a chance to put his side ahead six minutes later after he found himself in a terrific position to get a shot away, but his touch let him down as the ball ran away from him.
The Team of Choice grew into the game after 35 minutes and came close when Siyanda Xulu sent a long ball into the path of Mokate, who pulled the ball back to Fortune Makaringe before firing an effort at goal, but Bruce Bvuma was on hand to deny his attempt.
With a minute left to play in the half, Chiefs almost took the lead when Billiat’s flicked header beat Richard Ofori, but Nazeer Allie got back to make a brilliant double clearance off the line.
The home side came out with more intent in the second half when Leonardo Castro played a ball through to Dumisani zuma, who slotted the ball past Ofori.
Castro had two chances in quick succession to hand his side the lead, but the Chiefs striker was unable to beat the Maritzburg keeper with both his attempts.
Chiefs should have doubled their lead in the 71st minute when Nkosingiphile Ngcobo picked out George Maluleka, who unleashed an effort from distance, but his effort sailed over the target.
Ryan Moon nearly doubled his side’s lead in the 84th minute, but the striker failed to make a connection with Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s cross into the area.
Bvuma came to his side’s rescue late into stoppage time when he made a great save to deny Pogiso Sanoka’s long-range strike.
However, Chiefs held on to their one-goal lead until the final whistle to claim all three points at the FNB Stadium.
