Chiefs End Winless Streak with Dramatic Late Winner
Kaizer Chiefs finally snapped their five-game winless streak, securing crucial points against SuperSport United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday night.
The victory appeared unlikely until Mduduzi Shabalala’s late strike for Chiefs, which earned them their second league win of 2024. This win propelled them into the top eight with 33 points after 25 matches.
Prior to the game, Chiefs found themselves in 11th place, having lost their last three matches without scoring a single goal. In fact, they had gone four games without finding the net before this encounter.
Despite their struggles, Chiefs began the match aggressively, as has been their usual approach. Pule Mmodi tormented his defender and delivered a precise cross that evaded everyone. Christian Saile met the ball with a powerful strike that rocketed into the roof of the net, leaving Washington Arubi with no chance in the first half. This marked Chiefs’ fourth goal and Saile’s fourth of the season.
Chiefs’ goal also ended their four-game scoreless run.
However, SuperSport emerged stronger in the second half. Bradley Grobler threatened with a shot that rattled the crossbar. The danger continued as Grant Magerman retrieved the ball and his shot was adjudged to have been handled in the box by Sifiso Hlanti. Referee Skhumbuzo Gasa awarded a penalty.
Terrence Dzvukamanja sent Bruce Bvuma the wrong way, equalizing for SuperSport in the 53rd minute.
Chiefs refused to surrender. Shabalala received a pass from Saile on the edge of the box, composed himself, and beat Arubi with a seemingly weak shot in the 77th minute to take all the points. The Soweto Giants have only scored 21 goals this season, conceding 19 in the process.
SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt displayed visible frustration on the bench as his team fell to his former club, Chiefs. SuperSport are yet to win a league match in 2024, having drawn six and lost four of their last ten outings. Their position in the top eight is in jeopardy due to their winless run, with their last victory coming against Orlando Pirates in Polokwane back in December.
Picture courtesy of Kaizer Chiefs
