Posted in Match Report, News on Aug 25, 2021.
Kaizer Chiefs (2) (Billiat 9’, Cardoso 27’) 2
Baroka (0) (Farmer 59’) 1
Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat were the star performers as Kaizer Chiefs put on a masterful performance against Baroka at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening to run out 2-1 winners in their first home league game of the 2021-22 season.
Man of the match Dolly was influential in midfield and was the creative heart of Chiefs midfield dominance. Chiefs scored through Khama Billiat and Daniel Cardoso in the 9th and 27th minutes to give Amakhosi what would prove an unassailable lead. Denwin Farmer pulled one back for Baroka in the 59th minute and also had a late chance, but Chiefs held out for the win.
Chiefs gave an indication of what was to come in just the game’s first minute, as Billiat put pressure on the Baroka goal, with Oscarine Masuluke coming out to clear and striking the ball against Mfanafuthi Shozi. The rushed clearance fell to Bernard Parker with the goal at his mercy, whose shot on goal was blocked by Vusi Sibiya. In the early goalmouth melee the ball fell to Samir Nurković, who did well to control the ball, but dragged his effort wide in a frenetic opening to the game.
Billiat got the game’s opening goal for Chiefs in the ninth minute, finishing off a great team move which saw Phathutshedzo Nange play the ball towards Keagan Dolly, who fed it to the right wing where Njabulo Blom was lurking before sending in a pinpoint pass, which Billiat guided past Masuluke.
Baroka almost found a way back into the game in the 16th minute, with Evidence Makgopa’s shot from outside the Chiefs 18 yard area seeming to go innocuously wide, before Richard Mbulu ran in unmarked and headed the ball onto Bruce Bvuma’s post, which was a let off for Chiefs.
Cardoso put Chiefs in the driving seat in the 27th minute, as Sifiso Hlanti floated in a delightful ball from the left, Cardoso half bent managed to flick the ball past a stranded Masuluke to double Chiefs’ advantage.
It was a milestone goal for the club, as it was Chiefs 2650th league goal in the club’s history.
Dolly forced Masuluke into making a desperate fingertip save in the 31st minute, as his lobbed pass took a deflection off Shozi and floated goal-wards.
A few minutes later Dolly sent Billiat clear on goal with a sublime through pass, but with just Masuluke to beat Billiat lifted the ball over the advancing keeper, but sent it wide.
Billiat would also hit the post from inside the 18 yard area and go wide from close range, after being put through on goal by Cole Alexander, with Dolly again influential in the build-up.
Chiefs went into the break 2-0 up and in complete control of the game.
Dolly started the second period in similar vein to the way he ended the first, picking out Parker with another divine pass along the ground.
Parker in turn tried to pick out Billiat, but Farmer made a timely intervention to deny Chiefs.
Farmer, who was a second half substitute, would strike back for Baroka in the 59th minute, connecting with a corner from the right by fellow substitute Nhlanhla Mgaga.
In the 70th minute, Richard Mbulu went in with a studs up challenge on Nange’s ankle, a late tackle which could easily have been punished more heavily than just the yellow the Malawian defender received.
Within the space of a minute, there were further scares for Chiefs, as first Erick Mathoho’s back pass was short and forced Bvuma into a clearance for a throw in.
From the ensuing throw in, Mbulu managed to connect with a cross from the right from Mgaga, which was sent long and deep into the Chiefs 18- yard area, with Mbulu sending his effort wide of goal in the 79th minute.
In the fourth minute of added time, Bvuma made a game-winning save, getting down to push away a close range header from Farmer, as Chiefs picked up their first victory of the new season and extended their unbeaten record against Baroka to five games.
Fact of the Game – This was Chiefs’ 370th league win in the PSL era, in their 776th game in this period.
Number of the Game 3 – This was Chiefs third league win over Baroka. They now lead the head to head clashes against them with three wins to two. Chiefs have now scored at least one goal in their last five league games against Baroka. It was also the first time in six home league games against Baroka that Chiefs have scored two goals.
MVP – Dolly was the man of the match and well deserved for his performance, Billiat linked up well with him and was unlucky not to have scored more goals. Alexander and Nange also put in stand out performances in an all-round sound performance for Chiefs.
What Next – Amakhosi are next in action on the 12th September when they face Sundowns away from home in a DStv Premiership game.
Line Ups: Chiefs: 16. B. Bvuma; 23. S. Hlanti, 3. M. Mathoho, 4. D. Cardoso , 45. N. Blom , 17. C. Alexander (5. A. Agay 87’), 24. P. Nange, 25. B. Parker, 10. K. Dolly (29. A. Dube 84’), 11. K. Billiat, 9. S. Nurković
Subs Not Used: 32. I. Khune, 39. R. Frosler, 26. S. Mabiliso, 27. Nj Ngcobo, 12. Nk Ngcobo, 33. S. Radebe, 14. K. Sekgota
Cautions: 11. Billiat 52’, 17. Alexander 54’, 9. Nurković 61’
Baroka: 30. O. Masuluke, 2. B. Mphahlele, 3. A. Gebhardt, 6. V. Sibiya, 7. T. Mokhabi (37. Kamatuka 46’), 16. A. Dlala, 17. M. Kambala (12. N. Mgaga), 18. P. Shozi (33. D. Farmer 46’), 19. D. Chauke (21. T. Masiya 62’), 9. R. Mbulu, 27. E. Makgopa (28. K. Monama 83’)
Subs Not Used: 1. E. Chipezeze, 4. E. Seema, 10. G. Phiri Jr, 11. S. Sithole, 21. T. Masiya,
Cautions: 6. Sibiya 19’, 9. Mbulu 70’
Coach: Matsimela Thoka
