Kaizer Chiefs lost 2-1 to Platinum Stars in an open and enthralling Absa Premiership match at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Camaldine Abraw opened the score in the first half, while the visitors scored twice after the break with a brace from Eleazar Rodgers.

William Twala was handed his first start wearing the Gold and Black jersey by coach Steve Komphela, while Lucky Baloyi played instead of Willard Katsande, who was given a break ahead of the Soweto Derby next weekend.

There was a lively atmosphere in the Cape Town Stadium. The game was open with both teams playing positive attacking soccer.

Last week’s Man of the Match, Siphiwe Tshabalala, was again working hard and having a captain’s performance.

The defence kept it, as usual, tight during the first half with Erick Mathoho and Lorenzo Gordinho gelling well as the two centre-backs.

Chiefs got their goal just before the halftime break, when a ball whipped in from the left flank by Tshabalala into Dikwena’s box was headed in superbly by the Togolese striker Abraw.

The second half was lively with Platinum Stars coming on like a hurricane, attacking Amakhosi’s defence. Twice the upright saved Chiefs.

On the other side of the pitch, however, George Maluleka had a fine opportunity to add another goal, but the ball flew just past the wrong side of the goalpost. Earlier in the second half a fine shot from Maluleka was saved well by the Stars goalkeeper.

Chiefs regained the initiative after about 20 minutes in the second half, with the visitor’s offensive running a bit out of steam. Still, Platinum Stars continued to be dangerous whenever moving forward.

Tshabalala got an excellent chance to score the second, after some excellent work by Reneilwe Letsholonyane, who had a fine game, but the Stars goalkeeper was alert.

Then, just when Amakhosi looked to have the upper hand, Stars equalised with substitute Rodgers heading ball into the goal.

To make matters worse, Rodgers put another ball past Chiefs’ goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse in the 92 minute to score Stars’ winner.

It was an unfortunate and undeserved loss in front of a fantastic crowd of about 20 000 spectators that supported the team throughout.

Next up for Chiefs is the Soweto Derby. Orlando Pirates’ home game will be played at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 30 January (kick-off is at 15:30).

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1 (Abraw 45’)

Platinum Stars (0) 2 (Rodgers 86’, 92’)

Kaizer Chiefs: Pieterse; Gaxa, Mathoho, Gordinho, Masilela; Twala, Katsande, Letsholonyane, Tshabalala; Maluleka (Ekstein 69’), Abraw (Ndulula 78’)

Platinum Stars: Mzimela; Semenya, Nhlapo, Sithole, Zulu; Nyanda, Mathe, Madubanya (Ng’ambi 75’), Tshabalala (Kodisang 69’); Mabena, Ntuli (Rodgers 63’)