Lilepo Scores And Sees Red In A Win Over AmaZulu
Glody Lilepo scored the winning goal before receiving a bizarre red card as ten-man Kaizer Chiefs defeated AmaZulu 1-0 in the Betway Premiership at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday to solidify their third-place standings.
Chiefs, who came into the match having already secured third place and qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, moved to 54 points after 29 matches.
AmaZulu, who have exceeded expectations this season, missed the chance to strengthen their position and remain fourth on the table with 44 points from the same number of games.
The Glamour Boys made a notable change to their starting lineup, handing Ethan Chislett a rare start after the midfielder had spent much of the season on the bench.
AmaZulu nearly opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Sbongiseni Mthethwa connected with a cross from Riaan Hanamub, but Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen produced an excellent save with his feet to deny him.
Chiefs responded two minutes later as Mfundo Vilakazi attempted a shot from inside the box, but his effort was blocked before it could trouble the goalkeeper.
As the first half progressed, the Soweto giants slowed the tempo to ease the pressure, while Usuthu continued to threaten on the counterattack with quick transitions. However, Chiefs’ defence remained solid and dealt comfortably with the danger.
An entertaining first half eventually ended goalless.
Chiefs began the second half on the front foot and immediately applied pressure on the AmaZulu defence.
In the 53rd minute, Vilakazi nearly broke the deadlock with a curling effort from outside the box, but the goalkeeper managed to get a touch as the ball struck the post before being cleared away.
AmaZulu goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela came to Usuthu’s rescue again in the 56th minute, producing another excellent save after Reeve Frosler unleashed a powerful shot on target.
In the 65th minute, AmaZulu attacker Athini Maqokolo, who had troubled the Chiefs defence throughout the match, almost found the breakthrough after a brilliant run. However, he failed to beat the goalkeeper as his shot drifted wide of the post.
Just two minutes later, in the 67th minute, Lilepo finally broke the deadlock with a well-taken low strike into the bottom-left corner to hand Chiefs a 1-0 lead.
However, the winger’s celebrations proved costly, as he was shown a second yellow card moments later for removing his shirt while celebrating the goal.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Chiefs defended resolutely as AmaZulu pushed for an equaliser, but the visitors held firm to secure all three points.
Chiefs will return to Durban next weekend when they host Chippa United FC, while AmaZulu will face Durban City FC at Chatsworth Stadium.
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