Kaizer Chiefs ended a disappointing 2024 on a positive note after defeating Chippa United 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Beway Premiership
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Chippa United
Date: 29 December 2024
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Chiefs were still without Gaston Sirino, as they recalled Pule Mmodi in place of Njabulo Blom, in the only change from the draw against TS Galaxy.
Amakhosi were on the front foot in the opening exchanges as Yusuf Maart came close to giving them the lead with a header that produced acrobatics from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
However, the Glamour Boys could not regain their rhythm going forward midway into the first stanza, as they were quickly closed down by Chippa.
Nasreddine Nabi's charges pinned The Chilli Boys in their own half with ten minutes to go before the interval but they could not get behind their defence, with the likes of Ashley Du Preez not getting service.
Wandile Duba, however, brought the game to life again for Chiefs shortly before the break with a curling shot that parried away from the top corner by Nwabali.
Amakhosi's pressure finally paid off on the stroke of half-time after Mduduzi Shabalala beat Nwabali at his near post after he dribbled his way through in the box.
The Glamour Boys had a slow start in the second stanza and so did Chippa, as the game needed an inspiration.
Nabi reacted with an attacking change just after hour-mark, as Ranga Chivaviro came on for Mmodi for a different approach going forward.
However, it was Kwanele Kopo's troops who came close to levelling matters 20 minutes before time after Sinoxolo Kwayiba's header in the box came off the crossbar and fell kindly on the hands of shot-stopper Bruce Bvuma.
Chiefs slowed down the tempo of the game in the closing stages, looking to see out the 1-0 scoreline but United almost equalised from a counter-attack after Kwayiba's low shot was crucially saved by Bvuma.
Amakhosi absorbed pressure in the end and held on to a narrow win that took them up to seventh on the log.
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: 44. Bvuma, 39. Frosler, 84. Miguel, 14. Dortley, 24. Ditlhokwe, 8. Maart, 5. Mthethwa, 13. Mmodi, 36. Duba, 42. Shabalala, 9. Du Preez.
Subs: 30. Ntwari, 4. Kwinika, 19. Mashiane, 37. Zwane, 12. Ngcobo, 6. Blom, 28. Vilakazi, 21. Saile, 7. Chivaviro.
Chippa United: 23. Nwabali, 5. Ndlovu, 18. Maloao, 4. Makhele, 27. Modise, 24. Konqobe, 15. Jali, 6. Baloni, 47. Sithole, 14. Kwayiba, 9. Eva Nga.
Subs: 32. Johnson, 12. Mqokozo, 33. Chabalala, 8. Kambindu, 25. Kammies, 28. Madengwana, 3. Ntsabo, 17. Philander, 16. Majogoro
