CHIEFS IN EASY WIN
WHO’S NEXT? AMAKHOSI FACE AMAZULU ON SATURDAY
Amakhosi looked good despite the coach making seven unexpected changes.
Kaizer Chiefs cruised to their second Absa Premiership win last night as they easily beat Free State Stars 2-0 away at Goble Park Stadium in Bethlehem, Free State.
Amakhosi looked good despite coach Giovanni Solinas making seven unexpected changes to the team that started in their 4-1 win over Cape Town City last weekend.
Mario Booysens made his debut at the back, partnering Siyabonga Nguzane at centre back, while Philani Zulu – who came on in the second half against City – was rewarded with a start.
Hendriek Ekstein and Godfrey Walisimbi also started – with the likes of Siphelele Ntshangase, Lebogang Manyama and Dumisani Zuma left out in a move that was seen as resting them for Saturday’s home match against AmaZulu FC at FNB Stadium.
The display may not have been fluid at times but it was hardly noticeable that Amakhosi had made so many changes.
Ea Lla Koto started on the back foot with Amakhosi piling the pressure but they soon settled in. Their attempts to draw first blood didn’t bear anything meaningful, and it was the visitors who broke the deadlock when Gustavo Paez converted from a perfect Khama Billiat through ball 25 minutes into the tie.
Ea Lla Koto could have had a reply four minutes later as Judas Moseamedi wrestled the ball away from Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune on the left but his cross could not find a teammate and Chiefs cleared their lines.
A minute later Ngezane did well to push the ball away from Moseamedi who was trying to bulldoze his way through the Amakhosi defence.
But as Ea Lla Koto pushed forward looking for the equaliser, they left the back door open and Amakhosi used it to their advantage as Philani Zulu scored his second goal in two games with a scorching shot to make it 2-0.
Solinas’ side managed the game in the second half and play the ball around more and did well defensively to keep their lead until the end.
Stars did have a few chances in the second half but they never really threatened Khune as some of the efforts went wide or were tame.
Coach Luc Eymael’s side have won one, drawn one and lost four in six matches and will hope for a positive result when they host Highlands Park at the weekend in Bloemfontein.
Chiefs have won two, drawn four and lost one and are third on the standings before tonight’s matches.