Chiefs go top with win over Baroka
● By beating Baroka at FNB Stadium, Kaizer Chiefs not only went three points clear at the top of the log but recorded their first win at the venue this season in three attempts.
Chiefs haven’t dropped points on the road but only garnered one from a possible six there.
Their other home win was against Black Leopards at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
This victory, their fifth of the season, was well deserved but Baroka FC asked uncomfortable questions on a balmy but decent night for attacking football.
It was a high-octane game from start to finish with both sides having chances.
The goalkeepers earned their keep with superb performances, with Daniel Akpeyi being a more than credible sub after replacing Itumeleng Khune in the 28th minute.
Chiefs lucky
Elvis Chipezeze also put in a very good shift but with Baroka having two late chances coming off the bar, Chiefs were lucky to get maximum points.
Chiefs will be concerned with losing Khune and George Maluleka to injury ahead of Tuesday’s home game against Golden Arrows.
Baroka had opportunities in the 15th,18th and 19th minutes through Matome Mabeba, Richard Mbulu and Gerald Phiri. Mabeba’s shot went narrowly wide and Mbulu and Phiri forced great saves from Khune.
Chiefs showed the better industry in the first 10 minutes but Lazalous Kambole was flagged for offside and Khama Billiat’s first touch failed him.
Two minutes after coming on, Akpeyi was forced into an excellent save from a Collins Makgaga header that came from a Tshediso Padjie cross.
Baroka eventually paid for their profligacy when Lebogang Manyama tapped in Kambole’s rebound after Billiat’s pace and pinpoint pass shredded the Baroka defence.
Missed chances
Kambole’s pace was an issue for Baroka, but his inability to convert his chances wasn’t as he fluffed 48th, 51st and 63rd minute opportunities.
Billiat was also guilty with a 62nd-minute screamer cannoning off the bar and missing a 77th-minute chance.
Baroka also had their chances when Manuel Kambala's 65th minute shot was well saved by Akpeyi. Padjie and Phiri also forced saves from Akpeyi in the 59th minute.