Kaizer Chiefs suffer defeat against SuperSport to miss out on CAF football
Kaizer Chiefs suffered a 1-0 defeat against SuperSport United on Saturday in the DStv Premiership to miss out on CAF interclub football next season.
The Naturena-based side will not finish in the top three on the log standings, as they are seven points adrift of Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United. Pirates and SuperSport are positioned second and third, respectively.
Chiefs travelled to Royal Bafokeng Stadium aiming to bounce back from the Nedbank Cup semi-final loss against Orlando Pirates last Saturday.
Amakhosi beat SuperSport 2-1 in the first-round fixture in October 2022 at FNB Stadium, with Caleb Bimenyimana scoring a brace on the day.
The opening exchanges of the match saw both teams struggle to create real goal-scoring opportunities as they were well let down by misplaced passes in the final third.
SuperSport came close to opening the scoring 35th minute. Thapelo Maseko made a good run from the left wing to find Bradley Grobler. However, Grobler’s powerful header was saved by Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
SUPERSPORT UNITED FIND THE OPENING GOAL
Matsatsantsa eventually found an opener through Gamphani Lungu, who capitalised on Chiefs’ defensive error.
The Tshwane-based side went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal by Lungu.
Chiefs began the second half with high intensity as they went in search of an equaliser. But SuperSport stood firm at the back.
Arthur Zwane made a forced substitution to bring on Zitha Kwinika, who replaced Edmilson Dove, who sustained a head injury.
The Soweto giants were presented with another golden opportunity to bring the match to level terms. However, Dillon Solomons couldn’t convert from a close range.
Chiefs kept piling pressure on the SuperSport defence in search of an equaliser, but they were let down by indecisiveness.
Gavin Hunt-coached team held on to defeat Chiefs 1-0 to move level on points with Pirates on 51 points.
RELATED STORY: Chiefs suffer third successive defeat