Kaizer Chiefs survived a late scare to beat Siwelele FC 3-2 in a thrilling Betway Premiership clash at a packed Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday night.
The Glamour Boys appeared to be cruising after building a two-goal lead. But Siwelele refused to disappear. Mfundo Vilakazi opened the scoring in the 30th minute.
MFUNDO VILAKAZI LEADS AMAKHOSI CHARGE
The youngster capitalised on a defensive opening before calmly finding the back of the net. Kaizer Chiefs took a 1-0 lead into the break.
The second half produced a completely different game.
Kaizer Chiefs doubled their advantage in the 65th minute. Wandile Duba produced a composed finish to make it 2-0. At that stage, Amakhosi appeared to have taken control.
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But Siwelele FC responded almost immediately. Three minutes later, Aphiwe Baliti pulled one back with a powerful strike.
Suddenly, the visitors were back in the contest. Kaizer Chiefs restored their two-goal cushion in the 76th minute. Faiz Abrahams curled in a wonderful free kick to make it 3-1.
KAIZER CHIEFS HOLD ON
Siwelele FC continued pushing despite trailing 3-1. The visitors were rewarded deep into stoppage time.
Debutant Michael N’Guessan marked his first appearance with a goal in the 91st minute. The late strike set up a nervous finish for Kaizer Chiefs.
There was still time for Siwelele to search for an equaliser. But Amakhosi held firm. The final whistle eventually confirmed a 3-2 victory for Kaizer Chiefs. It was not the comfortable finish Chiefs would have wanted.
But the three points are what matter. Da Cruz and his players will now take confidence from another important Betway Premiership victory.
The result leaves Amakhosi in third place with 11 points, five behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand. Da Cruz’s side are yet to lose after three wins and two draws in five games.