Tshabalala, Parker send Chiefs to top

THERE was no hail to interrupt Kaizer Chiefs’ progress to the top of the Premiership at Soccer City last night, but Stuart Baxter’s men did have to battle to take down Black Leopards 2-1 at the second time of asking.

Former Chief Brian Amidu lashed in a goal two minutes from time to ensure a nervous finish, after Siphiwe Tshabalala appeared to have sealed the win for Chiefs 20 minutes from the end.

The Amakhosi dominated the early stages and went ahead though Bernard Parker’s spot kick. But Leopards also gave as good as they got in a pulsating encounter.

Both sides made changes from Saturday’s abandoned game, Chiefs bringing in Josta Dladla for the injured Siyabonga Nkosi, while Tshabalala returned to the side.

Leopards made four changes in Ernot Dzaga, Joshua Obaje, Karabo Tshepe and Tiyani Mabunda.

Chiefs took their early lead when George Lebese was tripped in the area by Leopards right back Dzaga, and Parker thumped in the resulting penalty to score his fifth goal of the season.

The Amakhosi doubled their lead with 20 minutes to go when Kingston Nkhatha won the ball in an aerial challenge with Leopards keeper Ayanda Mtshali, and set up Tshabalala, who stepped in between two defenders and curled the ball home.

Substitute Amidu pounced on lax Chiefs defending to set up a nervy end, but the Amakhosi hung on and for now look down on the rest.