KAIZER Chiefs were dealt another blow by another KZN side in a row as Golden Arrows grabbed a 2-1 win at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Image: @KaizerChiefs
Kaizer Chiefs suffered their 10th league loss of the season after going down 2-1 to Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Amakhosi’s chances of climbing up to a CAF Confederation Cup spot were dealt a huge blow as they remained in eighth spot while the home side also stayed in 10th.
Abafana Bes'thende completed their second ever league double over the Glamour Boys and ensured a triumphant return from the break.
Having come into the game quickly after an early scare, Arrows broke the deadlock via Nduduzo Sibiya in the 25th minute, capitalising on a slip in the Chiefs defence.
Knox Mutizwa was on hand to take the ball after a Inacio Miguel-fault before driving to the box and setting up Sibiya who tapped home into an empty net. That seemed to awaken the visitors who hit back four minutes later with an unfamiliar goal from midfielder Yusuf Maart.
Mutizwa made it an assist and a goal in the 78th, as he silenced the 'wrongly-aligned' Durban crowd by restoring Arrows’ lead. The veteran striker arrived late at the back post to tap in after second half substitute Siyanda Mthanti had done well to blaze his man and cross into the box. The 29-year-old drove from a deep position to connect with a delightful Gaston Sirino through ball before slotting past the oncoming Edward Maova.
The game began with a high tempo with both teams going full throttle therefore it was no surprise that a penalty was awarded inside the first ten minutes. Upon review, it appeared to be a controversial call by the man in the middle Luxolo Badi with the minimal touches by Gladwin Shitolo bringing down Glody Lilepo.
Club Captain Maart took the responsibility with much to the displeasure of the huge crowd in attendance.
And as fate would have it, the midfielder’s effort bounced off the upright sending the waves of fans into anger, as they immediately called for his substitution.
The opening half brought the much anticipated entertainment as both teams had their fair share of possession and created very good chances at each end. Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi cut a frustrated figure at the half time break at both his players as well as the officiating.
The recipient of a lashing by Mngqithi was Sibusiso Sibeko who was then hooked off at the halftime break.
Chiefs were dealt a huge blow during the break as star midfield man Thabo Cele was forced off through injury with Sibongiseni Mthethwa taking his place.
The second stanza was a little bit of a slowed down tactical dance between the two teams before the home side rang the changes with Mthanti upping the pace of the Arrows attack.
Chiefs will look to bounce back from this defeat against TS Galaxy next Saturday while Arrows move on to Chippa United.