Chiefs make it eight wins in a row as Sundowns keep pace in DStv Diski Challenge

Kaizer Chiefs preserved their perfect start to the DStv Diski Challenge season with a 2-1 victory over Milford FC at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Sunday.

Neo Bohloko opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Kamogelo Malefo was brought down in the area. Chiefs extended their advantage after half-time when Matala Makhubo cut inside before curling an excellent finish into the top corner.

Fagan van der Vint reduced the deficit for Milford with a close-range finish from a low cross, setting up a tense closing period. Chiefs held on to claim an eighth win in eight matches.

The result leaves Amakhosi five points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns, while they remain the only team in the competition yet to lose or draw.

Sundowns had moved into second place with a 3-0 win against AmaZulu at the same stadium on Saturday. Bennet Mokoena converted a seventh-minute penalty after a collision in the box to put the visitors ahead.

Simphiwe Mlondo then doubled the lead by completing a well-worked move inside the area. He added a second late in the match, finishing first time from a tight angle after another assist from Kamohelo Mareletse.

Orlando Pirates’ three-match winning run ended with a 3-1 defeat by Richards Bay FC. The defending champions had taken an early lead through Siyabonga Ngwenya and were looking to strengthen their position in fourth place.

Richards Bay levelled before half-time when Luyanda Mthembu found the net. Khayalethu Ndlangamandla and Mpilwenhle Dlamini scored after the break to give the Natal Rich Boys a third consecutive victory and move them into seventh.

Durban City and Golden Arrows drew 1-1 in the KwaZulu-Natal derby. Andiswa Booysen headed Arrows in front on the half-hour mark after meeting a delivery from the right, but Mthobisi Zondo equalised from the penalty spot in the second half after a foul in the area.

Stellenbosch FC came from behind to beat Sekhukhune United 2-1 at the AW Muller Stadium. Kgothatso Mbazo gave Babina Noko a sixth-minute lead, but the Maroons turned the match around to move into sixth place, level on points with Sekhukhune in fifth.

Polokwane City defeated Chippa United 4-1 at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium to climb to ninth. Rise and Shine led 2-0 at half-time, added two more goals after the break and conceded only a late penalty, which served as consolation for the Chilli Boys.

Kruger United beat Siwelele FC 3-2 at Kanyamazane Stadium for their second win of the campaign. Siwelele slipped to 11th after a third successive defeat, while Kruger moved from 15th to 13th, three points behind the Believers.

Marumo Gallants ended a four-match winless run by beating TS Galaxy 1-0 at the AW Muller Stadium. The victory lifted Bahlabane Ba Ntwa to 14th, while the Rockets dropped two places to eighth after a third match without a win.