Kaizer Chiefs are sitting at the top of the PSL table, however uncomfortably, with Sundowns breathing down their necks but Amakhosi needed a focused performances to put away a struggling Chippa United 1-0 tonight.
Kaizer Chiefs vs Chippa United: Plenty on the line in PSL clash
Chippa United could have clinched PSL football next season with a win over Kaizer Chiefs but faced a team with renewed focus.
There are just two rounds of football left before the 2019/2020 PSL season can finally be put to bed and we still don’t know where the title will be going.
Four teams are in the race although it is expected that either Kaizer Chiefs or Sundowns will lift the trophy come the end of the season.
Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder William Twala leads the goalscoring for Chippa United this season with four goals. The club have only managed a total of 17 goals this season which is the joint-fewest in the league heading into the penultimate round.
Chippa United have conceded one goal less than Kaizer Chiefs this term and should prove difficult for the Amakhosi attack to unlock.
While Chiefs sport the best attack in the league they have been imprecise in the final third since the restart.
Kaizer Chiefs vs Chippa United: Relive the PSL action here
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Team news
Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that their second-highest goalscrorer this term, Leanardo Castro will take no further part in this season, and he is one of a handful of players will miss the crunch-match against Chippa United.
Goalkeeper Danie Akepeyi will be absent with Bruce Bvuma expected to take his place between the sticks against Chippa.
The Eastern Cape Outfit have no injuries according to coach Lehlohonolo Seema, who says his team have no focus other than getting three points.
“It’s one of those games that I told the players‚ ‘Look the three points against Baroka is the same as three points against Kaizer Chiefs’.
“So for us it’s just to go on with the business of the day‚ make sure that we don’t lose the game.
“For this last two games if we can just go without losing a match we stand a good chance of keeping our status.
“I just told them that they must just put the pressure away‚ enjoy the game‚ and play and do everything that we agreed on‚ because we are all fighting for the three points at the end of the day.”
Kaizer Chiefs vs Chippa United: PSL match report
Kaizer Chiefs found their shape early on and picked a way to goal a few times early on in threatening fashion.
Khama Billiat turned well in just the third minute but his shot lacked the power to beat Mvele Mothwain the Chippa goal.
Kaizer Chiefs kept coming in an early onslaught and a speculative cross from Eric Mathoho was flicked on by Samir Nurkovic to give Billiat the simplest of finishes to end his goal drought and set Amakhosi away.
Watch: Billiat gives Kaizer Chiefs a 1-0 lead
After scoring the goal Chiefs seemed to ease off, and Chippa United crafted their first opportunity in the fifteenth minute.
Gamildien couldn’t find a finish to trouble Ithumeleng Khune though and Chiefs soon started to play with the kind of confidence that propelled them to the top of the league.
Billiat showed vastly improved energy off the ball, which gave an extra dimension to Kaizer Chiefs game that has been missing in recent weeks.
Daniel Cardoso produced a superb goal-line clearance to spare Khune’s blushes just before the break after the keeper rushed out and was caught on no-man’s land.
Half-time
The second half was an absorbing affair from the restart with both sides creating chances.
Billiat was in on goal just before the cooling break, he was brought down by Tercious Malepe though leaving the referee little choice but to send the defender off.
Chippa looked better with ten men but Elvis Moyo would make another big error and the Eastern Cape outfit were reduced to nine men.
Despite a nervy finish Kaizer Chiefs held on for a win that sees them remain in pole position on the PSL table heading into the final round of matches.
The result means Chippa aren’t quite safe from the relegation playoffs heading into the final weekend but would be unlucky to finish 15th now.
Kaizer Chiefs squad
Starting XI
- Khune, 18. Moleko, 3. Mathoho, 20. Sasman, 4. Cardoso, 31. Katsande, 8. Manyama, 25. Parker, 39. Frosler, 11. Billiat, 9. Nurkovic
Subs: 44. Bvuma, 6. Baccus, 5. Agay, 2. Mphahlele, 7. Kambole, 21. Zulu, 30. Ngezana, 46. Sifama
Chippa United Squad
Starting XI
- Mothwa, 24. Thopola, 47. Nsabiyumva, 14. K.Moyo, 21. Maphanga, 32. Lentjies, 12. Malepe, 13. Maphangule, 4. Gamildien, 6. Jodwana, 26.Sekotlong.
Subs: 1. Mazibuko, 22. Modisane, 3. Mthethwa, 44. Komane, 20. E.Moyo, 2. Masalesa, 7. Mbenyane, 28. Lebitso, 15. Kwem.