Kaizer Chiefs made it back-to-back wins in the Betway Premiership after grinding out a 1-0 victory over AmaZulu on Saturday afternoon.
With both sides already comfortable in their league positions before kick-off, the match carried little pressure, but there was still enough quality and attacking intent to keep the game lively.
KAIZER CHIEFS TAKE THREE POINTS FROM AMAZULU
Amakhosi had already secured third place after beating Sekhukhune United last week, while AmaZulu looked destined to finish fourth.
The Glamour Boys started brightly, with Mfundo Vilakazi again showing flashes of confidence after his impressive cameo in the previous match. Ethan Chislett also returned to the starting line-up as Chiefs looked to finish the campaign strongly.
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AmaZulu also had their moments early on. Former Amakhosi midfielder Pule Ekstein returned to the starting XI and nearly marked the occasion with a goal, while Sandile Mthethwa forced Brandon Petersen into an important save.
Despite enjoying more possession, Chiefs battled to create consistent openings in the first half. Flavio Silva and Glody Lilepo found little space against a disciplined AmaZulu defence.
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GLODY LILEPO DELIVERS BEFORE LATE DRAMA
The game opened up far more after halftime.
Ekstein continued testing Petersen from distance, while Chislett and Reeve Frosler both went close for Amakhosi as the pace of the match increased.
Chiefs eventually found the breakthrough in the final 20 minutes when Lilepo finally got on the scoresheet after sustained pressure from the hosts.
But the celebrations quickly turned dramatic.
The forward removed his shirt while celebrating and received a second yellow card, forcing Chiefs to finish the match with 10 men.
Arthur Zwane reacted by throwing more attackers forward as AmaZulu searched desperately for an equaliser late on.
Petersen, however, stood tall in goal and produced a number of key saves to protect his clean sheet and secure another important victory for Kaizer Chiefs as they closed out their Betway Premiership campaign in style.
