PORT ELIZABETH, December 3 – Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela’s problems increased after Chippa United scored three times in the second half at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday evening to record a 3-1 win.
While Komphela’s stress levels rise further after seeing his side now going seven matches (all competitions) without a win, Chilli Boys coach Dan Malasela earned some major respite as his team won for the first time in nine games.
With the stands nicely filled, the atmosphere was electric from the start and as a result the game got off to a breath-taking start.
Early action was end-to-end, with chances for Lorenzo Gordinho and then Lerato Manzini.
Amakhosi drew first blood on 14 minutes when a poor attempt at a clearance from home keeper Daniel Akpeyi fell to Siphiwe Tshabalala, the former Bafana midfielder showing great composure to ride a challenge before squeezing the ball through a crowded box and into an open goal.
Chippa, who had more ball possession in the opening 45 minutes, could have levelled matters six minutes later, but having been left unmarked at a corner kick, James Okwuosa sent his header wide.
Tshabalala then tested Akpeyi with a stinging shot before Tshwarelo Bereng forced Chiefs keeper Nhlanhla Khuzwayo into a diving save at the opposite end as the action continued up to the half-time whistle.
Chippa started the second half with purpose, but could not capitalise as Bereng fired into the side-net and then Mark van Heerden fired a free-kick over the bar.
Chiefs were looking to take advantage on the counter as the home side overelaborated on occasion, but Mitchell Katsvairo was wasteful with two decent chances before George Lebese fired a volley wide.
Khuzwayo then denied van Heerden’s dipping effort midway through the second half as the game remained open with a goal looking likely at either end.
The Soweto giants were probably starting to think they may be able to hold out for the victory when they were hit with a double sucker punch as the Chilli Boys struck with two goals in two minutes.
Both were from crosses out on the right from Diamond Thopola, the first seeing Manzini outmuscling Siyanda Xulu to power in a near post header, the second, on 71 minutes, saw Bereng heading in from a tight angle at the back post.
There were chances at either end before Chippa added a third goal, in the 84th minute, Manzini finishing clinically from inside the box after some lovely interplay.
Manzini should have had his hat-trick in added time when Buyani Sali teed the ball up on a plate for him, but he failed to get contact in front of an empty goal just three-yards out.
To make matters worse for the Soweto side, security officials were called upon to try stop Chiefs fans from throwing missiles at Komphela after the game – African News Agency (ANA)
