Kaizer Chiefs' struggles in the DStv Premiership continued after losing 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 Stellenbosch FC
Date: 02 April 2024
Venue: FNB Stadium
Interim coach Cavin Johnson named unchanged starting line-up from the goalless draw against Cape Town City over the weekend, with Yusuf Maart and Edson Castillo only named on the bench after returning from suspenion.
The Soweto giants surprisingly came into this clash with a good record against Stellenbosch, having won their last four matches across all competitions.
Chiefs enjoyed a majority of the possession in the early stages of the first half, but Stellies looked more livelier going forward on the break, especially down Sifiso Hlanti's flank.
The home side continued to struggle in the final third as the first half progressed, with their best moments coming from a couple Mduduzi Shabalala strikes outside the box although goalkeeper Sage Stephens barely needed to move.
Stellenbosch got their reward on the stroke of halftime when Devin Titus bagged his sixth league goal of the campaign with a lovely finish after breaking clear on Hlanti's side of the Chiefs defence.
The hosts responded with a change at the start of the second half , with the young Wandile Duba making way for Christian Saile who scored against Stellies earlier in the season.
Johnson's charges had more of the ball in the second half but just like the first period, they were let down by the final pass especially with recognised striker on the pitch.
The frustration began to grow for the home side and supporters as time began to run out, while the team were yet to trouble Stephens between the sticks, with Ranga Chivaviro and Dillan Solomons introduced.
In the end, Chiefs were unable to find a way past the Stellies defence and were condemned to their eight loss of the league campaign while the visitors cemented second spot.
Here's how they lined up;
Kaizer Chiefs: 44. Bvuma, 23. Hlanti, 25. Msimango, 4. Kwinika, 2. Dove, 6. Sithebe, 5. Mthethwa, 42. Shabalala, 13. Mmodi, 9. Du Preez, 36. Duba.
Subs: 1. Petersen, 27. Ngcobo, 18. Solomons, 19. Mashiane, 17. Castillo, 37. Zwane, 3. Mdantsane, 21. Saile, 7. Chivaviro
Stellenbosch FC: 17. Stephens, 45. Toure, 21. Basadien, 7. Van Rooyen, 8. Nduli, 24. Moloisane, 23. Adams, 14. Oura, 18. De Jong, 34. Titus, 9. Rayners
Subs: 30. Masuleke, 26. Mcaba, 27. Jurgens, 10. Mgaga, 22. Sibande, 29. Van Wyk, 11. Colley, 19. Boji, 12. Mini
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