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Chiefs open three-point lead

football28 September 2019 18:11| © Backpage TXT
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Kaizer Chiefs have opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Absa Premiership after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Baroka FC at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Amakhosi secured the result thanks to a first-half goal from Lebogang Manyama, taking them clear of second-placed Polokwane City (who will be in action away to Highlands Park on Sunday), while Bakgaga remain in 11th place on the log.

Baroka started strongly and should have claimed the lead on 18 minutes when a long ball over the top allowed Richard Mbulu to sprint away from Daniel Cardoso, but he could not get the better of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in a one-on-one situation.

Chiefs suffered a worrying blow shortly before the half-hour mark when Khune, who has only recently returned from long-term injury, appeared to suffer a muscle problem in his leg and was replaced by Daniel Akpeyi.

The Nigerian made an excellent save just a couple of minutes after coming on, diving sharply to his left to pluck a diving header from Collins Makgaka out of the air as the Limpopo side continued to look the likelier scorers.

However, it was Chiefs who broke the deadlock in the 39th minute: a powerful surge forward from Khama Billiat created a point-blank chance for Lazarous Kambole, who was denied by Elvis Chipezeze, but the rebound was tucked home by Manyama.

The Amakhosi, though, ended the half on something of a low when they suffered another injury. Midfielder George Maluleka limped off in injury time and was replaced by Zimbabwean veteran Willard Katsande.

The second half saw Bakgaga continue to look strong in both midfield and up front, yet Chiefs nearly made it 2-0 just after the hour mark when a counter attack saw Billiat let fly from long range with a shot which had the beating of Chipezeze, but not the crossbar.

Baroka then had a long-range effort of their own, with Manuel Kambala’s well-hit strike heading toward the top corner, only for Akpeyi to make an excellent save and keep the hosts in the ascendancy.

The Limpopo side kept plugging away but the closest they came to an equaliser was a strike direct from a free kick by Gerald Phiri Jr in injury time which rattled the crossbar, leaving the Soweto giants to pick up a valuable win.

The teams will return to league action in the coming midweek, with Chiefs at home to Golden Arrows on Tuesday and Baroka away to Maritzburg United on Wednesday.

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1 (Manyama 39’)

Baroka FC 0

Chiefs: Khune (Akpeyi 28’), Frosler, Mathoho, Cardoso, Sasman, Parker, Baccus (Mashiane 80’), Maluleka (Katsande 45+1’), Manyama, Billiat, Kambole

Baroka: Chipezeze, Mogaswa, Makgaka (Mdantsane 63’), Sibiya, Shozi, Ngubane, Kambala (Nsimba 84’), Mabeba (Selemela 73’), Mbulu, Phiri, Patjie

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