Chiefs enhance title credentials

Attacking Amakhosi refuse temptation to play for a draw

Kaizer Chiefs (2) 5 Bloemfontein Celtic (3) 3

GOALS: Kaizer Chiefs — Samir Nurkovic (21, 31, 61m); Leonardo Castro (47, 71m) Bloemfontein Celtic — Ndumiso Mabena (13m); Harris Tchilimbou (24m); Siphelele Luthuli (35m)

● A hat-trick from Samir Nurkovic and two goals from Leonardo Castro earned Kaizer Chiefs a 5-3 victory in an Absa Premiership eight-goal thriller at Moses Mabhida Stadium last night, the spectacular nature of which only enhanced Amakhosi’s growing title credentials.

A frantic first half saw Celtic take the lead three times, first via Ndumiso Mabena in the 13th minute. Nurkovic equalised in the 21st. Harris Tchilimbou scored for the Free Staters in the 24th. Nurkovic levelled in the 31st.

Siphelele Luthuli made it 3-2 in the 35th.

Chiefs owned the second half as Castro levelled for a third time in the 47th, then Nurkovic gave Amakhosi their first lead in the 61st. Castro headed a fourth goal out of five from set pieces for Chiefs, making it 5-3, in the 71st.

Some have complained that this Chiefs – confidence soaring as they approach an imposing 10-point lead by Christmas – are not pretty. It’s not an unfair criticism.

But they cannot be accused of not being exciting. Last night, even as an unusually disorganised defence bled goals in the first half, Amakhosi coach Ernst Middendorp never relented on whipping his team forward on attack.

Celtic coach Lehlohonolo Seema had a clever plan on the night, troubling Chiefs with pace on the counterattack. Amakhosi never succumbed to the temptation to tighten, or play for a draw — though they did resolve some shape issues at the break.

If a shaky first half raised questions about Chiefs’ title credentials, their bravery to press relentlessly forward and a magnificent second half ultimately earned a dramatic victory that kept the dream alive.

Chiefs’ backline was at times shockingly out of shape. The attack is packed with players capable of scoring.

Celtic’s answer to the Serb was skilful playmaker Mabena.

They took the lead when Lantshene Phalane’s low-trajectory pass from deep was missed in the middle by Tebogo Potsane. Bernard Parker allowed Mabena space behind him, then allowed the forward to cut inside and finish past goalie Daniel Akpeyi.

Lebogang Manyama’s free-kick from the left was struck low to Nurkovic, who bounced the ball up, turned and volleyed past Mondli Mpoto.

Three minutes later Chiefs centreback Erick Mathoho charged forward on a challenge, breaking the shape of his line, and allowing Mabena to shake free and release Harris Tchilimbou one-on-one to finish.

Manyama’s corner was not cleared by Celtic, Daniel Cardoso looping a chip into the danger area where Nurkovic headed in.

On Celtic’s classic counterattack, Mabena’s backheel set free Potsane, who advanced and squared for winger Siphelele Luthuli — again one-on-one — to slot home.

Dumisani Zuma came on for Parker from the break. Within moments Chiefs earned a corner. Manyama’s delivery found Castro unmarked, and the Colombian headed in.

From the break Amakhosi added another, Castro’s cross finding Nurkovic to volley in.

From a Manyama corner, Castro headed in Chief’s third of the half.

Chiefs are not pretty. But it cannot be said they are not exciting