George Maluleka bagged a brace, as Kaizer Chiefs defeated Platinum Stars 2-0 in their MTN8 Semi-Final first leg tie at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. The game got off to slow start, with Chiefs seeing most of the ball in the opening 20 minutes, although they failed to create any meaningful opportunities.
Dikwena seemed to come alive after the 20-minute mark and looked to have to got their passing game going again. And they nearly opened the scoring in the 21st minute, but they found an inform Itumeleng Khune, who tipped Tshabalala's header around the posts. However, Khune was well beaten a minute later but Rober Ng'ambi's volley could not beat the woodwork. Chiefs created chances of their own, however they failed to take them, with George Maluleka being wasteful on a couple of occasions. Although Stuart Baxter will be having a go at his defence, with Eric Mathoho and Tefu Mashamaite being caught out on numerous occasions. Chiefs took the lead six minutes after the restart through Maluleka's powerful volley, after Kingston Nkhatha's header was cleared off the line. Chances were hard to come by in the second half, but Renielwe Letsholonyane should have doubled Chiefs' lead in the 75th minute, but he managed to sky his effort over the crossbar from point-blank range. Mpeta should have leveled matters in the 85th minute but the fullback managed to blasts his effort well over the bar from close range. Maluleka sealed the win in the 89th minute with a sublime free-kick that left Mpontshane with no chance. Here's how they lined up: Platinum Stars: Mpontshane, Mere, Gumede, Mpeta, Semenya, Mathe, Madubanya, Tshabalala, Ng'ambi, Nyanda, Mabena Kaizer Chiefs: Khune, Gaxa, Mashamaite, Mathoho, Masilela, Letsholonyane, Katsande, Masango, Lebese, Maluleka, Nkhatha MTN8 Semi-Final Match Report: Platinum Stars 0-2 Kaizer Chiefs 16 August 2014
MTN8 Semi-Final First Leg Score: Platinum Stars 0-2 Kaizer Chiefs Date: 16 August 2014 Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
