Mamelodi Sundowns beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in a DStv Premiership encounter played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Let’s look at some of the major talking points from the match between the two South African giants.
TWO DEFENSIVE ERRORS COST CHIEFS
Chiefs look solid at the back, with new arrivals Given Msimango and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe fortifying them. However, against Sundowns, they cheaply gave away two goals because of errors. Another new signing, Castillo, was culpable for the first goal when he was dispossessed outside the box. Goalkeeper and captain for the day failed to stop a tame Neo Maema shot late in the second half.
A RELATIVELY DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE FROM CHIEFS
In the opening half, Chiefs employed a low block, allowing Sundowns to enjoy more of the ball. At halftime, the average ball possession was 74-26 percent in favour of the defending champions.
It seemed as though Chiefs were not necessarily playing to win. There needed to be more intention from Amakhosi players to regain ball possession after losing it. They rarely won the second ball.
In the second half, the average possession was 67-33 percent to the hosts again. Of course, Chiefs came alive late in the second half and had a good spell. It eventually paid off with a goal.
FIRST GOAL AND FIRST BIG CHANCE FOR CHIEFS
Ashley Du Preez opened the scoring account for the Soweto giant, coolly finishing a Tebogo Potsane cross. Newly signed Chiefs striker Ranga Chivaviro did not see much of the ball in the first half as Chiefs were playing deep in their half. Du Preez’s goal was their first big chance of the season. Against Chippa United, they had no big chance. Ntseki would be relieved to, at least, get the first goal after a barren pre-season.
MASEKO A TRICKY CUSTOMER ON THE WING
Thapelo Maseko proved a tricky customer on the left wing in his first start, tussling a lot with Reeve Frosler. The youth international could see himself playing an important role at the Brazilians. However, the former SuperSport winger was sometimes one-dimensional and predictable. He would often go to the byline and try to put in a cross. Eventually, Frosler found a way of dealing with the 20-year-old.
RIBEIRO PUTTING THE MARKER DOWN
A new Brazilian from Brazil, Lucas Ribeiro, has put the marker down, scoring two goals in his first two games for Masandawana. Last Friday, he was on target against Sekhukhune United as the defending league champions won 2-1. He then scored the opener against Kaizer Chiefs. His first two goals almost look similar and underline his qualities as a forward. He had another clearcut chance but shot straight at Petersen.
SUNDOWNS WASTEFUL IN FRONT OF GOAL
Downs coach Rulani Mokwena admitted his charges were wasteful in front of goal. The hosts created several scoring chances but were unable to bury them. Last season’s top goal scorer Peter Shalulile was also a culprit, missing a sitter and a few other chances. Had it ended in a stalemate, they would have probably regretted missing so many scoring opportunities.
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