Mdu Shabalala’s individual brilliance seal victory for Chiefs against Chippa
Mduduzi Shabalala’s individual brilliance sealed a 1-0 victory for Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership against Chippa United on Sunday evening in Durban.
The exciting midfielder scored a sublime solo goal in the first half to give Chiefs a win in their last league match of the year 2024.
Chiefs hosted Chippa at Moses Mabhida Stadium, aiming to collect maximum points and finish 2024 on a high. Amakhosi have been struggling to find a consistent winning form and were winless in their last three league matches.
Before facing Chippa, the Naturena-based side last tasted a victory when they defeated Richards Bay FC 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on the 27th of November 2024. After claiming a victory against Richards, Chiefs played draws against Royal AM and TS Galaxy and lost 2-0 to Polokwane City FC early in December.
In a final match of the year against the Chilli Boys, Chiefs enjoyed a fair share of ball position but failed to create real goal-scoring opportunities.
Late in the first half, the Soweto giants came close to finding the back of the net through a curling shot by Wandile Duba, but it was parried away by Chippa goalie Stanley Nwabali.
KAIZER CHIEFS TOOK THE LEAD LATE IN THE FIRST-HALF
On the stroke of half-time, Chiefs broke the deadlock, courtesy of a sublime goal from Mduduzi Shabalala. The goal took Kaizer Chiefs to the half-time break with a 1-0 lead.
The Gqeberha-based side had a promising start to the second, piling pressure on Chiefs early in the second half. In a quick turn-over attack, Rushwin Dortley came close to doubling the lead for The Glamour Boys, but his clear header went off target.
With Chiefs looking to increase the lead against Chippa, they brought in Ranga Chivaviro in place of Pule Mmodi in the 62nd minute.
Nasreddine Nabi-coached team held onto their 1-0 lead to collect all maximum points against Chippa. Chiefs finished the year occupying position seven on the log with 15 points after 10 games.
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