Kaizer Chiefs faced a disappointing setback in the DStv Premiership as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Chippa United at Buffalo Stadium on Saturday.
The game witnessed a flurry of changes for Chiefs following their previous defeat against Stellenbosch. Njabulo Ngcobo, Yusuf Maart, Christian Sailem, Edson Castillo, and Ranga Chivaviro were all given starting berths in an attempt to revitalize the team’s performance.
A promising start by AmaKhosi saw them applying early pressure on Chippa, with Edmilson Dove and Ranga Chivaviro notably testing the opposition’s defence.
However, it was Chippa United who struck first blood, as Binevenu Eva Nga found the net in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a corner to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Building on their momentum, Chippa extended their advantage in the 32nd minute through Sinoxolo Kwayiba’s clinical finish from the centre of the box, making it 2-0 in favour of the home team.
Despite Chiefs’ desperate attempts to claw their way back into the game, with Solomons and Saile coming close, they were unable to find the back of the net before the half-time whistle blew.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Chiefs side pushing for a comeback, with Saile almost halving the deficit with a fierce strike that was expertly saved by Chippa’s goalkeeper, Darren Johnson.
Chiefs’ manager, Cavin Johnson, made tactical substitutions, introducing Ashley Du Preez and Siyethemba Sithebe for fresh legs. Sithebe, in particular, made an immediate impact, testing Johnson with a dangerous attempt on goal.
Despite their continued efforts, Chiefs failed to convert their dominance into clear-cut opportunities, ultimately falling short as Wandile Duba’s late attempt sailed over the crossbar.
With this defeat, Kaizer Chiefs find themself in eighth place in the league standings with 30 points from 23 matches, while Chippa United sit just a point behind them in 10th place, also from 23 games played.