Kaizer Chiefs preserve unbeaten start with win over Siwelele FC

Kaizer Chiefs maintained their unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season with a 3-2 victory over Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.

Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba put Amakhosi in control before an own goal restored their two-goal advantage after Aphiwe Baliti had pulled one back for the visitors. Michel N’guessan scored again in stoppage time, but Siwelele could not find an equaliser.

The result leaves Chiefs with three wins and two draws from their opening five league matches, ensuring they remain among the early pace-setters.

Chiefs had shown attacking intent in the opening stages but needed until the 30th minute to break the deadlock.

Lebohang Maboe produced a well-weighted pass over the top of Siwelele’s high defensive line, releasing Vilakazi behind the defence. The forward advanced before calmly lifting the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper from distance.

It was Vilakazi’s first goal of the season and gave Chiefs a 1-0 lead at the interval.

The home side doubled their advantage in the 65th minute through Duba, whose finish added further quality to an otherwise closely contested match.

The 22-year-old reacted sharply to Mduduzi Shabalala’s cross, meeting it with a backheel that wrong-footed both the goalkeeper and the defenders. The goal gave Chiefs some breathing space and was Duba’s third of the campaign.

Siwelele responded almost immediately. Three minutes after Duba’s goal, Baliti reduced the deficit with an effort that took a deflection before beating Brandon Petersen.

Chiefs restored their two-goal cushion in the 77th minute, although the goal owed as much to fortune as attacking precision.

Substitute Faiz Abrahams struck the upright with a free-kick. The ball rebounded off the post and then hit goalkeeper Xulu on the head before entering the net, giving Chiefs an own goal and a 3-1 lead.

Siwelele continued to push for a way back into the contest and were rewarded in the second minute of added time when N’guessan scored for the visitors.

The late goal ensured a tense finish, but Chiefs defended their advantage through the remainder of the match to claim another three points and extend their unbeaten record.

Wandile Duba had earlier been involved in a physical contest with Relebogile Mokhuoane during the match at Dobsonville Stadium.

Chiefs will return to action against Polokwane City next Saturday. Siwelele FC face a midweek fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns.