A dramatic late goal from Bienvenu Eva Nga gave Bidvest Wits a 1-0 win over PSL-leaders Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Sunday 30 August.
Bidvest Wits vs Kaizer Chiefs: PSL title race
Bidvest Wits start Sunday seven points adrift of Kaizer Chiefs and knowing that anything short of victory will see them drop out of contention for the title.
The Cleverboys title hopes rest on a perfect finish, and a succession of slip-ups for Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns and they will likely be more concerned with achieving a third-place finish which would guarantee the franchise continental football next season.
Kaizer Chiefs still have their destiny in their own hands despite losing a crunch match to Sundowns in midweek.
Bidvest Wits have been far from perfect since the restart and played to a 1-1 draw with Bloem Celtic in their last PSL outing.
It is the second time these clubs will meet since the restart having played to 1-1 draw when they recommenced their campaigns earlier this month.
Kaizer Chiefs’ leading scorer Samir Nurkovic can resume his chase for the golden boot after missing the defeat to Sundowns through suspension.
Bidvest Wits’ top goal scorer Deon Hotto has just six goals to his name this term and is unlikely to figure in the golden boot contest which has eight strong contenders. Hotto scored within moments of coming on in Wits’ only win since the restart against Amazulu.
Bidvest Wits vs Kaizer Chiefs: Relive the PSL action here
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Bidvest Wits vs Kaizer Chiefs: PSL Match report
Bidvest Wits started out hassling Kaizer Chiefs and registered the first effort on goal, but Thulani Hlatshwayo headed wide from the second-minute free-kick.
Samir Nurkovic showed his aerial threat and caused Wits a few early headaches including a literal one for Loreno Gordinho who needed stitches after a clash of heads with the Chiefs striker.
Chiefs had a penalty shout turned down just after the half-hour, but the referee wasn’t interested.
The first half was prolonged by an injury to Daniel Akpeyi after a clash of heads with Terrence Dzvukamanja. Akpeyi had to be replaced by Bruce Bvuma.
After over ten minutes of time added on the referee finally called an end to a long first half.
Half time
Chances were few and far between at the start of the second half but Chiefs crafted the best opportunities.
Thulani Hlatshwayo picked up a booking that will see him miss Wits penultimate match of the season.
Nurkovic appeared to be Chiefs most threatening player and hit the back of the net but the offside flag thwarted the leading scorer.
The Serbian missed when it seemed easier to score with just minutes on the clock.
Watch: Nurkovic misses incredible chance
Chiefs pressed and pressed but Wits held firm and then late on, pounced.
Eva Nga was taking up great positions and the quick counter allowed him to get one-on-one with the keeper and score to give Wits the lead against the run of play.
Watch: Eva Nga wins it for Wits late on
The victory moves Wits up into third and leaves Kaizer Chiefs to hope that Mamelodi Sundowns lose their match against Baroka FC which will allow them to retain top spot heading into the final two rounds.
Bidvest Wits squad
Wits: 23. Goss, 13. Hlanti, 29. Gordinho, 3. Hlatshwayo, 24. Macheke, 17. Alexander, 38. Mathebula, 14. Nange, 11. Hotto, 37. Dzvukamanja, 28. Macuphu.
Subs: Prince, 10. Domingo, 19. Eva Nga, 26. Ritchie, 31. Human, 33. Phillips, 36. Sekgota, 39. September, 41. Mlonyeni.
Kaizer Chiefs squad
Chiefs: 43. Akpeyi, 18. Moleko, 4. Cardoso, 3. Mathoho, 20. Sasman, 5. Agay, 25. Parker, 6. Baccus, 39 Frosler, 11. Billiat, 9. Nurkovic
Subs: 44. Bvuma, 31. Katsande, 7. Kambole, 2. Mphahlele, 21. Zulu, 30. Ngezana, 36. Ngcobo, 19. Mashiane, 46. Sifama.
