A late goal by Dumisani Zuma helped Kaizer Chiefs claim a narrow 1-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The Urban Warriors showed their attacking intent early on as Thabo Mosadi forced Itumeleng Khune into making a comfortable as early as the second minute.
Amakhosi were then dealt a major blow after 10 minutes when Philani Zulu was forced off the field with an injury and was subsequently replaced by Bhongolwethu Jayiya.
Steve Komphela’s side started dominating possession as the match went on, but were let down by poor decision making in the final third.
Khune came to his sides rescue in the 38th minute when the Chiefs shot-stopper he produced a fine save to keep out Mosadi effort from close range.
Chiefs nearly broke the deadlock two minutes before the half time interval as Bernard Parker guided his strike inches wide of the target as the match went into the break locked at 0-0.
Steve Komphela was forced to substitute Parker five minutes into the second half after the veteran striker picked up a knock, with Gustavo Paez replacing him on the field.
Meanwhile, Stanley Menzo made a double change in the 70th minute when he introduced Sedwyn George and Junaid Sait to replace Bantu Mzwakali and Ndiviwe Mdabuka respectively.
The home side had a chance to take the lead after 76 minutes when Siyabonga Ngezana latched on to a Siphiwe Tshabalala free-kick before steering his headed effort wide of the target.
However, Amakhosi eventually broke the deadlock nine minutes later as Zuma picked up a loose ball in the area before guiding the ball past Ajax shot-stopper Jody February to make it 1-0.
Hendrick Ekstein should’ve put the game to bed with three minutes left, but the midfielder failed to beat February in a one-on-one situation.
However, Chiefs held on to their one-goal lead over Ajax until the final whistle as Amakhosi claimed three points to move up to second place in the PSL standings.
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Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix