UPSET: Chief’s MTN8 Journey Ends At First H…

Kaizer Chiefs crashed out of the MTN8 in the first round after losing 1-0 to Golden Arrows at the FNB Stadium on Sunday evening.

Fixture: Kaizer Chiefs v Golden Arrrows
Score: 0-1
Goalscorers: Shezi (53′)

Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko was handed his official debut for the Soweto giants after missing the win over Kruger United last weekend, while Wandile Duba was rewarded with following his heroics off the bench in the opening game.

Fernando da Cruz’s started the encounter in similar fashion to last week’s contest, with Luke Baartman and Mfundo Vilakazi looking to penetrate on the respective flanks, as the former had a big chance on 14 minutes but he was denied by a fine save by goalkeeper Edward Maova.

Baartman remained a threat as the first half went on as he carved the biggest chance before the 30-minute mark when he teed up Ngcobo in the six-yard area, however the latter sent his effort well over the crossbar with only Maova to beat.

Arrows, meanwhile, put up a lot more resistance than Kruger did as they managed to trouble Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, who was called upon to keep out powerful efforts from distance although the visitors were let down by their decision in the 18-yard area.

Da Cruz would not have been happy going to the dressing room without a goal, as Ngcobo passed up another big chance before the halftime break after being set up by Duba in a similar chance to his first, but he ended up firing straight Maova while Baartman fired into the side-netting on the rebound.

Scroll through the gallery to see action from Chiefs’ loss to Arrows.

After the dominant first half, it was Arrows who broke the deadlock against the run of play as Shezi spotted Petersen off his line and scored from a long way out on the right flank with the ball creeping in at the near post.

The home supporters certainly let their feelings known shortly after the goal as time began to wind down and frustration began to grow for the Soweto giants after all the missed chances in the first stanza.

Da Cruz responded with a double change after going behind as Etiosa Ighodara was introduced in place of Duba, while new signing Langelihle Phili was brought on to replaced Ngcobo for the final 25 minutes of the second half.

Phili looked to be Chiefs’ liveliest player on the park as he saw lot of the ball down the left flank but he was unable to put Moava to work in and around the 18-yard area, as Arrows did well to restrict the opposition to efforts from distance.

Key Performer:

Nhlanhla Zwane put in a commanding display in the middle of the mark for Arrows. He covered a lot of ground and did well to disrupt to the Chiefs attacks.

Related tags