Kaizer Chiefs beat Chippa United 1-0 at a packed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Thursday to keep their hopes of CAF club football alive.
They also bounced back to winning ways in the DStv Premiership after losing 1-0 to Sekhukhune United on Sunday.
The result also means they are now three points behind second-placed SuperSport United, with both teams having played 27 matches each. They are also two points behind rivals Orlando Pirates, who have played a game less.
The Chilli Boys have now gone six matches without a win in all competitions. They also remain second from the bottom with 26 points from 27 matches.
Chippa are one point above bottom-placed Maritzburg United, who are in action against fellow strugglers Swallows later today.
KAIZER CHIEFS KEEPS CAF FOOTBALL HOPES ALIVE
Kaizer Chiefs dominated the first half and missed a few chances that could have seen them take the lead. Amakhosi made their intentions clear as early as the first minute. An attempt by Ashley Du Preez was blocked just outside the box.
The Chilli Boys’ defence executed the offside trap plan well after some of Chiefs’ moves were ruled to be offside on three occasions early in the half. Young sensation Mduduzi Shabalala missed a sitter for the visitors in the 27th minute after his shot from inside the box hit the crossbar.
AMAKHOSI REWARDED FOR DOMINANCE AGAINST CHIPPA UNITED
Another attempt by Happy Mashiane a few moments later was not enough for Amakhosi to take the lead. The two teams went into the break at 0-0.
Amakhosi continued where they left off in the first half with their dominance and showing intentions to score. Ashley Du Preez’s shot from the centre box was too high to cause any threat. Du Preez kept probing until he was rewarded with a stunning goal in the 72 minutes to give Amakhosi maximum points.
Amakhosi will host struggling Swallows in a league match on Monday, 1 May, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
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