Kaizer Chiefs got back to winning ways after rallying from behind to defeat Sekhukhune United 2-1 in DStv Premiership action on Wednesday night.
DStv Premiership
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 Sekhukhune United
Date: 26 September 2023
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki recalled Edmilson Dove and Njabulo Ngcobo after the defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns over the weekend, while new signing Sibongiseni Mthethwa was named on the bench after his move from Stellenbosch.
The hosts dominated proceedings in the opening the exchanges and could have a couple goals ahead in the opening 15 minutes, but Ashley du Preez and Edson Castillo were unable to convert.
Ntseki's charges were unable to build on that encouraging opening spell and were left down by their decision-making in the final third, while Sekhukhune failed to provide any real threat at the other end.
Sekhukhune nearly took the lead against the run of play in the 33rd minute when Chibuike Ohizu broke free after a ball over the top, however Ngcobo did well to get back and produce a vital block in the six yard rea,
However, Sekhukhune got the breakthrough on the stroke of halftime when Ohizu did well to play in Elias Mokwana, who squeezed home a first-time finish past Chiefs shot-stopper Brandon Petersen.
The home side continued to dominate and were rewarded in the 59th minute when Castillo got his second league goal of the season by nodding home Du Preez's cross-cum-shot in the box.
That proved to Castillo's final involvement as the Venezuelan midfielder made way for new signing Mthethwa, while Ranga Chivaviro made his return to action by replacing Christian Saile.
The Soweto giants completed the turnaround with 15 minutes to play, as Dove got his first goal of the season with a towering header in the box after getting on the end of Reeve Frosler's cross.
Sekhukhune went agonisingly close to getting themselves back on level terms with four minutes to play as Sibusiso Vilakazi's header came off the upright before Kgomotso Mosadi headed from point-blank range on the rebound.
Ntseki's charges were able to hold for the victory in the end, which took the side up to fifth spot on the league standings while Sekhukhune dropped to seventh.
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: 1. Petersen, 2. Dove, 24. Ditlhokwe, 27. Njabulo Ngcobo, 39. Frosler, 8. Maart, 17. Castillo, 22. Matlou, 21. Saile, 9. Du Preez, 13. Mmodi
Subs: 32. Khune, 25. Msimango, 4. Kwinika, 5. Mthethwa, 3. Mdantsane, 11. Potsane, 7. Chivaviro, 42. Shabalala, 37. Zwane
Sekhukhune United: 30. Sangare, 2. Mobbie, 3. Mabotja, 4. Cardoso, 22. Tshibwabwa, 12. Mokotjo, 17. Mokwana, 8. Webber, 34. Ohizu, 15. Mkhize, 18. Bwalya
Subs: 16. Leaner, 27. Mkhabela, 36. Ntiya-Ntiya, 22. Rikhotso, 6. Mtshali, 11. Vilakazi, 25. Dias, 40. Mosadi, 10. Mncube
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