PSL

Chiefs Down Maritzburg To Keep Slim Title Hopes Alive

9 Mar 9, 2019 - 07:56 pm

By Soccer Laduma

Absa Premiership

Result: Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Maritzburg United

Date: 09 March 2019

Venue: FNB Stadium

Kaizer Chiefs moved to within five points of Absa Premiership leaders Orlando Pirates after seeing off relegation-threatened Maritzburg United.

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There was a change in the goalkeeper department for Chiefs as Bruce Bvuma replaced Daniel Akpeyi, who dropped to the bench while Willard Katsande earned a re-call to the matchday squad.

The goalkeeper position has been a big issue for the AmaKhosi since Itumeleng Khune's injury, although Bvuma looked impressive early on as he produced a couple good saves in the opening 15 minutes, while Bernard Parker squandered a golden chance in the early stages.

Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp was certainly unhappy with the way things went in the first half and opted for a change after just 25 minutes, with Philani Zulu making way for Katsande.

However, the home side had to wait until the stroke of halftime for a real sight at goal, as both Khama Billiat and Dumisani zuma saw their efforts cleared off the line by Nazeer Allie.

Chiefs came out for the second half without Billiat, who was replaced by debutant Nkosingiphile Ngcobo due to a tactical decision.

Billiat's absence certainly had no bearing on Chiefs, who took the lead four minutes into the second half as Leonardo Castro turned provider to tee up Dumisani Zuma for the neat finish into the far corner.

Maritzburg coach Eric Tinkler responded with a double change on the hour mark, as Bandile Shandu and Mohau Mokate made way for Judas Moseamedi and Deolin Mekoa.

Without the likes of Billiat and Hendrick Ekstein on the field, Ngcobo provided some entertainment for the supporters with some impressive touches as Chiefs surprisingly opted to sit back.

Despite Chiefs' defensive approach, the Team of Choice were unable to find a way past Bvuma as Tinkler suffers his third defeat in charge of Maritzburg.

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Here's how they lined up:

Chiefs: 44. Bvuma, 2. Mphahlele, 18. Moleko, 4. Cardoso, 36. Ntiya-Ntiya, 22. Zulu (Katsande 25'), 12. Maluleka, 28. Zuma, 11. Billiat (Ngcobo 46'), 25. Parker, 8. Castro (Moon 79').

Subs: 43. Akpeyi, 5. Booysen, 7. Moon, 20. Ngezana, 39. Frosler, 37. Ngcobo, 31. Katsande.

Maritzburg: 31. Ofori, 36. Kunene, 25. Xulu, 4. Allie, 6. Sanoka, 11. Makaringe, 35. Timm, 22. Mokate (Moseamedi 58'), 8. Ndlovu, 44. Zakri, 26. Shandu (Mekoa 56').

Subs: 1. Mpandle, 17. Figareido, 15. Matsi, 20. Kutumela, 13. Kateregga, 19. Moseamedi, 29. Mekoa.