Relief for Komphela as City slip for first time
BENNI MCCARTHY tasted his first defeat as a head coach as Cape Town City went down 2-0 to Kaizer Chiefs at the Cape Town Stadium last night, but the Capetonians can certainly emerge from the defeat with their heads held high. In essence, they played most of the football, but Chiefs provided the better, more clinical finishing – and, in football, it’s the goals that count.
For Chiefs, it was their first win of the season in front of a 25 000-strong crowd, and some breathing space for under-fire head coach Steve Komphela. The victory was all that mattered, and the Soweto team’s triumph was based on sound defence and resolute commitment from each and every player.
City dominated the second half, launched attack after attack, but couldn’t find a way through. They were often let down by the final pass, as well as excellent displays from Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and the central defensive pairing of Lorenzo Gordinho and Daniel Cardoso.
Both teams rang the changes, with City’s being primarily a case of rotation and Chiefs hit by injury and suspension. For the Capetonians, there were six new starters from the team that beat Wits in the MTN8 at the weekend. It was clear evidence of McCarthy’s faith in his entire squad, in that he trusted whoever he picked to do the job for the team. In came goalkeeper Sage Stephens, who was making his debut for City, as well as Vincent Kobola, Tshepo Gumede, Edmilson, Lyle Lakay and Mpho Matsi.
For Komphela, it was case of reshuffling the defence after this week’s news that regulars Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Tsepo Masilela would be out injured for quite some time, while defender Erick Mathoho was suspended after being red-carded in the Soweto side’s previous match. Khune returned to the team after an injury-enforced absence, also coming in were former City winger Bongolwethu Jayiya, Philani Zulu, Kgotso Moleko and an opportunity for 17-year-old Wiseman Meyiwa.
It was a cagey, no-risk opening to proceedings, with both teams surrendering possession rather easily. City were dealt a blow in the 16th minute when midfield schemer Teko Modise was forced off after a recurrence of a groin injury, and the veteran was replaced by Sibusiso Masina.
There weren’t that many clear-cut opportunities in the first half. The two best ones accrued to Chiefs – first, when Siphiwe Tshabalala set up Zulu, but his shot was blocked by City captain Robyn Johannes, and the rebound then drilled wide by Moleko. And, second, when Jayiya cut inside to create some space and fire in a shot, but his attempt hit the upright.
Two minutes into the second half, Chiefs went in front after some shoddy defensive work from City. The loose ball fell to 32-year-old Tshabalala, who coolly slotted the ball into the net.
The Capetonians piled on the pressure. But with Khune superb, and Gordinho and Cardoso an impregnable duo, it was difficult to break Chiefs down.
City were leaving themselves short at the back, and Meyiwa netted minutes before the end to end City’s fairytale run.