Kaizer Chiefs got off the mark in the DStv Premiership after claiming a 2-1 win over Baroka FC on Wednesday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 Baroka
Date: 25 August 2021
Venue: FNB Stadium
Stuart Baxter made just one change from their stalemate with TS Galaxy over the weekend with Keagan Dolly replacing Kgaogelo Sekgota for his first start in Chiefs colours.
The hosts got off to a lively start on nine minutes when some neat build-up play ended with Njabulo Blom picking out Khama Billiat, who poked home from close range, just minutes after Bernard Parker's big miss.
Baroka were almost level on 16 minutes when Richard Mbulu showed great reactions to guide a shot onto the woodwork with Bruce Bvuma well beaten.
However, Chiefs went on to double their lead at the other end as Sifiso Hlanti's inviting cross found an un-marked Daniel Cardoso, who sent a fine looping header into the far corner on 27 minutes.
Dolly was certainly pulling the strings in the first half as he created a golden chance for Billiat five minutes before the break with a neat pass, but the Zimbabwean fired with only Oscarine Masuluke to beat.
Chiefs threatened for more goals in the latter parts of the stanza, but Billiat squandered two chances after hitting the upright before he missed another one-on-one opening after some good work by Cole Alexander.
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Thoka made triple change at the start of the second half, which included Denwin Farmer who went on to reduce the deficit on 58 minutes with a neat first-time volley at the back post.
Chiefs surprisingly did not come out with the same attacking approach for the second half and as a result, chances were hard to come by in the final third.
Baroka should have bagged the equaliser in the 79th minute when Mbulu got on the end of a cross from the right flank, but the striker somehow sent his header wide from 10 yards.
With Baroka pushing for a second goal, Baxter opted for a more defensive switch as Dolly was withdrawn for new signing Austin Dube while Anthony Agay replaced Alexander moments later.
However, Bvuma ensured Chiefs walked away with the win as he produced a save in the 94th minute to deny Farmer at the far post.
Here's how they started:
Chiefs: 44. Bvuma, 3. Mathoho, 4. Cardoso, 45. Blom, 23, Hlanti, 17. Alexander, 24, Nange, 25. Parker, 10. Dolly, 11. Billiat, 9. Nurkovic.
Subs: 16. Khune, 39. Frosler, 26. Mabiliso, 27. Njabulo Ngcobo, 29. Dube, 5. Agay, 12. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Radebe, 14. Sekgota.
Baroka: 30. Masuluke, 2. Mphahlele, 3. Gebhardt, 6. Sibiya, 7. Mokhabi, 16. Dlala, 17. Kambala, 18. Shozi, 19. Chauke, 9. Mbulu, 27. Makgopa.
Subs: 1. Chipezeze, 33. Farmer, 4. Seema, 10. Phiri Jr, 11. Sithole, 12. Mgaga, 21. Masiya, 37. Kamatuka, 28. Monama.
