Kaizer Chiefs suffered a 3-2 loss to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in a penalty shootout during their Toyota Cup clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The match had remained goalless after regulation time. This marks the second consecutive year Chiefs have lost in this competition, following last season’s defeat to Young Africans.
The Glamour Boys’ starting lineup featured three new faces, including Nkanyiso Shinga, who played before his home crowd in Durban, with Thabiso Monyane and Flavio Silva also starting.
Meanwhile, Kotoko’s starting lineup included new arrivals, Seth Kwadwo and Hilary Adabo, who joined the team that won the Ghana FA Cup last season.
As expected, the first 10 minutes of the match were quite cagey, with both teams cautiously finding their rhythm and footing. The midfield was a battleground, as they exchanged jabs, each trying to dictate the pace of the game.
Looking to beat the goalkeeper from a distance, Glody Lilepo unleashed a shot outside the box, which was easily dealt with by Mohammed Camara.
Moments later, Chiefs had a scare when Kwame Opoku’s header nearly found the net, only for Peterson to parry it over the bar.
In the 29th minute, Mfundo Vilakazi earned a free kick for the Phefeni Glamour Boys and took it himself; his impressive attempt sailed just inches wide.
Chiefs started to dominate possession, but this didn’t translate into many clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities. The match reached the interval with a 0-0 scoreline on the board.
CHIEFS’ THREE CHANGES AT THE START OF SECOND HALF
At the start of the second half, Chiefs made three changes, taking off Thabo Cele, Mfundo Vilakazi and Flavio Silva, bringing on Mduduzi Shabalala, Pule Mmodi and Wandile Duba.
Amakhosi picked up right where they left off, relentlessly pressuring the Ghanaian side in search of an opener, but Asante’s defence remained impenetrable.
Shabalala came very close to breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute; after skillfully moving past Asante’s defenders, his powerful shot unfortunately rattled the crossbar.
In the 83rd minute, Chiefs earned a penalty when Pule Mmodi was fouled in the box. However, captain Inacio Miguel stepped up and unfortunately missed the spot-kick.
After a goalless 90 minutes, the fate of the match had to be decided by a penalty shootout, with Asante emerging 3-2 on penalties.
RELATED STORY: Nabi addresses Chiefs’ transfer plans: More signings on the horizon?