Massive win for Chiefs
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 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. In short, 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 Cardosa.
Both teams rang the changes, with City’s primarily a case of rotation and Chiefs hit by injury and suspension.
For the Capetonians, there were as many as six new starters from the team that beat Wits in the MTN8 at the weekend. It was evidence of McCarthy’s faith in his squad.
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 Bongolethu 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 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.
Once the teams had settled, there weren’t that many clearcut opportunities in the first half, especially with both defences organised and keeping things tight.
The two best chances, though, 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. Second, when Jayiya cut inside to create some space and fire in a shot, but his attempt unfortunately 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 Shabalala, whose experience and composure were key as he coolly slotted the ball into the net.
With City throwing everything into the attack, they left themselves vulnerable at the back. And that was when teenager Meyiwa netted to end McCarthy’s dream start as coach of City.