Chiefs put Celtic to the sword
Sibongiseni Gumbi
Kaizer Chiefs can be sharp up front and score goals, as they proved in yesterday’s 4-2 Macufe Cup win over Bloemfontein Celtic, but supporters will be left wondering why their team cannot be as clinical in official matches as well.
The win ensured Amakhosi defended the cup for the third year running, but they remain under pressure to collect official silverware – something that has not happened in the past two seasons.
Chiefs started well. Dumisani Zuma, playing for the first time against his former team, opened the scoring in the fifth minute but the lead was short-lived as Victor Letsoalo equalised two minutes later.
Letsoalo grabbed his brace to give Phunya Sele Sele the lead but Lucky Nguzana equalised before veteran Bernard Parker put the visitors in front again.
For a little while in the second half it looked like the fans were in for more goals but it was not to be as neither of the teams maintained their sharpness.
Chiefs looked threatening going forward, especially at set pieces where Ngezana’s height made it tough for the defenders.
Going into the second half, Steve Komphela made some changes with Parker given a rest while Joseph Molangoana, William Twala, Sibusiso Khumalo and youngsters Sibongakonke Ngcobo and Ryan Moon got some game time.
The Glamour Boys found the back of the net in the second half but Moon’s header was ruled offside although it looked like he was perfectly positioned when he connected with the ball.
With two minutes to go, Celtic came close to finding the equaliser but their well-taken freekick hit the upright and rebounded back into play with Brilliant Khuzwayo – who was given a rare start in the absence of Itumeleng Khune, who was with Bafana Bafana – well beaten.
Chiefs killed off the match as a contest when they were awarded a penalty after Molangoana was tripped inside the box and Moon converted the spot-kick.