Kaizer Chiefs almost squandered a two-goal lead against a battling Maritzburg United side at the packed to the rafters at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday night.
The stage was set as the sold-out sign was issued by the Maritzburg hours before the match, an indication that Chiefs fans still have an appetite for their club that has not won a major trophy since 2015.
And Chiefs showed early intentions. They flew out of the blocks, scoring two goals in the space of 10 minutes in the first half.
Keagan Dolly side-footed in the fifth minute and Christian Saile added the second in the 10th minute with a thunderous shot on the edge of the box, to give Chiefs a dream start of the game.
Maritzburg, who have lost their three matches prior to this game – and sucked in the relegation zone, gallantly fought back to get things on terms.
Mogamad De Goede ghosted at the near post in the 20th minute, to bring life to what turned out to be a silent crowd.
Amadou Soukouna’s thunderous free kick just before half time brought things level, catching Brandon Peterseon off guard also at the near post.
But De Goede turned from hero to villain, clumsily bringing down Ashley du Preez under the minimal challenge and Yusuf Maart slotted the winning penalty after 76 minute.
The win sees Chiefs level on points with Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates with 37 points after 23 matches, with the latter beating SuperSport United earlier on the day.
This is the second time this season Chiefs won three games on the bounce, to strengthen their fourth spot and the hunt for the CAF club competition next season.
As much as the league title destination is clear, the second spot chase for the lucrative CAF Champions League will provide an intense finish between SuperSport, Pirates and Chiefs.
After Dolly side-footed Chiefs and Saile left-footed shot in the space of 10minute, the crowd was left bouncing afterwards in the sold out affair.
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But these goals scored by Chiefs stung Maritzburg to life.
De Goede ghosted at the near post to divert a header from Keegan Ritchie’s free kick to pull one back after 20 minutes and Soukouna’s thunderous free kick, provided four goals in the first half.
As more goals were expected in the second half, they weren’t and Maart converted the spot later on in the game to see Chiefs go home victorious.
The loss for Maritzburg to Chiefs at Harry Gwala Stadium means they will have to wait for another chance as they have not beaten Amakhosi at the venue in March 2015.
