So-so Chiefs secure full points

It may not have been a performance that will linger in memory for the few hundred Kaizer Chiefs supporters who braved the cold at FNB Stadium last night but their team did what was needed to secure the full points with a 1-0 win over Black Leopards in an Absa Premiership match.

It is, however, Leopards who will feel they could have done better, especially as they had Amakhosi on the back foot for longer periods of the match.

Leopards had a good start and looked threatening – something that happened for most parts of the game – and could have been first to score with Mwape Musonda and Phathutshedzo Nange having a go at Itumeleng Khune with some stinging shots within the first 10 minutes.

But they found the Bafana Bafana No.1 at his usual best and he made some telling saves throughout the match to ensure the full points remain with his side and they climb up the standings.

Amakhosi also had their run in at the other end early and Dumisani Zuma looked to have been set through on goal Leonardo Castro but his hurried shot was easily parried away by King Ndlovu.

Khama Billiat could have done better when he was set through on goal 33 minutes into the match but his first touch was a bit heavy and it allowed defenders to recover before he could do any damage.

It was Willard Katsande who would be the hero for the night as he scored with a diving header from Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s flick on from a Billiat corner, five minutes to the break.

Mphahlele – who scored a scorcher that took Amakhosi to the Telkom Knockout semifinals – came close to netting again early in the second half but Ndlovu was quick off his line and cut him off.

The keeper made what was easily the game’s best save when he denied Mario Booysen, tipping his header over.

Leopards played better football in the second half but their play in the final third was not as impressive. In the 74th minute, however, Khune somehow managed to stop a goal bound ball with his shoulder after a scramble inside his box.