Kaizer Chiefs have kicked off 2026 with a narrow victory over Golden Arrows, thanks to an Aden McCarthy header in the 38th minute.
The result comes after a four-match winless streak. The Soweto giants lost 2-1 to Al-Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup, before consecutive draws against Zamalek (1-1), Chippa United (0-0) and TS Galaxy (0-0).
FOUR CHANGES MADE
Amakhosi made several changes to the starting line-up, with Thabiso Monyane, Aden McCarthy, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Pule Mmodi and Glody Lilepo coming in for Dillan Solomons, Paseka Mako, George Matlou, Khanyisa Mayo and Mfundo Vilakazi.
KAIZER CHIEFS 1-0 GOLDEN ARROWS
Amakhosi started brightly and dominated the opening exchanges, playing on the front foot and pinning Arrows deep in their own half.
The new midfield pairing of Lebohang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu set the tempo early, controlling possession and dictating play.
Ndlovu registered the first shot of the match in the sixth minute, though his effort was comfortably saved. Two minutes later, Maboe tried his luck from range, forcing a deflection and a corner as Kaizer Chiefs kept up the pressure.
Between the 15th and 30th minutes, Kaizer Chiefs came close again. In the 21st minute, Flavio Silva missed a big chance when the ball got stuck under his feet inside the box, before the same player tested Ismail Lwanda Mbanjwa with a powerful long-range strike in the 29th minute.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 38th minute. Maboe delivered a dangerous in-swinging free-kick, the goalkeeper spilt the ball, and Aden McCarthy reacted quickest to nod home from close range for a deserved 1-0 lead.
After the break, Golden Arrows enjoyed more possession but struggled to carve out clear chances, with Kaizer Chiefs’ defence remaining disciplined and compact.
Silva saw a left-footed effort blocked in the 59th minute, while Siyanda Ndlovu wasted a big opportunity soon after, firing high and wide when played through with space in the box.
The closing stages were tense. Substitute Mfundo Vilakazi twice tried his luck from the edge of the area, while Arrows’ Ndlovu came agonisingly close in the 71st minute, his low strike crashing against the post.
Kaizer Chiefs managed the final minutes well to secure all three points. The win lifts Amakhosi up to third place on the table, just two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Next up for Kaizer Chiefs is a continental assignment, with a trip to Zambia to face Zesco United in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday, 25 January, kick-off at 15:30.
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