Amakhosi triumph keeps Chippa winless

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter used his strength in reserve to good effect in the 3-1 DStv Premiership victory over Chippa United.

Keagan Dolly and Cole Alexander came off the bench to give Amakhosi a moralboosting 3-1 win over Chippa at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday evening.

Chiefs’ early goal was scored by Samir Nurkovi, with Chippa striker Bienvenu Eva Nga netting for the home team.

The win saw Amakhosi redeem themselves after their 10 loss to AmaZulu, but most importantly it has seen them solidify their spot in the top three of the log.

Meanwhile, the loss means Chippa have yet to break their winless run at home this season.

“We panicked a little bit and took our foot off the accelerator in terms of focus and doing the right things because when we were doing the right things, we were playing such good football,” said Baxter.

“So I think the result is a fair result I think it could have been one more.

“They could have scored another one, they hit the post.

“I think us winning by two goals is probably what reflects the game.

“We made changes at the right times and that is what we needed, to change the balance of the team a little bit to calm them down and to give them a bit more of an edge.

“I am delighted with the three points. It just means we can now keep kicking on a little bit more optimistic, and put the pressure on everybody else as well as taking their points.”

Amakhosi have two games in hand over Royal AM and logleaders Mamelodi Sundowns, whose lead was cut to 11 points by Royal’s weekend victory.

Baxter will urge his side to maintain their form to finish second on the log and book a spot in next year’s Caf Champions League, a competition they came close to winning after being defeated in the final by Egyptian giants Al Ahly last season.