Posted in Match Report, News on Apr 07, 2019.
Kaizer Chiefs 0
Baroka FC (0) 1 (Patjie 66’)
Kaizer Chiefs were edged 1-0 by Baroka FC in an Absa Premiership fixture at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening. The sole goal came from a free-kick in the 66th minute. It was a disappointing result in a game that was dominated by the home side.
Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro were both left out of the squad after failing a late fitness test. The Zimbabwean was replaced by Philani Zulu. The Colombian striker didn’t start in last weekend’s encounter against Cape Town City.
Bernard Parker was the striker up-front, with Hendrick Ekstein operating closely behind him. Dax Andrianarimanana was again the holding midfielder, while George Maluleka played in a slightly more advanced position.
Parker played well, working hard and setting up an excellent chance for Zulu to open the score in the 22nd minute. Zulu, however, missed the target from close range.
The visitors got one or two opportunities, but couldn’t get the ball past Chiefs goalkeeper, Bruce Bvuma.
Chiefs had the best of the play, although it didn’t result in too many box entries.
Another chance to score arrived in the 33rd minute, when Teenage Hadebe went for a high ball. He was blocked by a Baroka defender and, accordingly, fell unlucky, bouncing with his head against the goalpost.
The Zimbabwean defender stayed on the ground and eventually had to be stretchered off, having sustained a concussion.
Hadebe was replaced by Ryan Moon, which meant that coach Ernst Middendorp brought in a striker for a defender. It was a positive move to put more pressure on the Baroka defenders.
It was still goalless at half-time.
Amakhosi upped the tempo in the second half.
It resulted in a great opportunity for Moon in the 52nd minute. The tall striker nicely rounded the Baroka goalkeeper, although he found himself thereafter a bit too far on the side of the goal. As a result, Moon struggled to get the ball on target.
There was a set-back when Baroka, against the run of play, scored from a free-kick in the 66th minute. Tshediso Patjie’s scorcher was taken from just outside the box.
Dumsani Zuma was by then already waiting on the sideline, ready to come on, replacing Zulu in the 69th minute.
Chiefs pushed even more numbers forward after having conceded the goal, trying to find the equaliser.
Hendrick Ekstein got an opportunity to do so in the 78th minute, but the goalkeeper made a fine save.
The Glamour Boys continued to push. It wasn’t enough however, as no more goals were scored before the referee blew his whistle for the last time.
The loss against Baroka was not deserved, but that’s what sometimes happens. The best team on the day doesn’t always win.
Key moment in the match:
That was the goal from Baroka FC in the 66th minute. It was a major setback. Kaizer Chiefs were by far the better side, but they struggled to convert their goalscoring opportunities.
Most Valuable Player (MVP):
Dax Andrianarimanana delivered another telling performance, while Bernard Parker worked hard, also making some clever off-the-ball runs. Ramahlwe Mphahlele also did well and it was good to see that ‘Rama’ is finding his form again. However, it was Baroka’s scorer of the goal, Tshediso Patjie, who was selected as the Man of the Match.
Gallery:
[gallery ids="39311,39313,39312"]
What it means:
It means that Kaizer Chiefs are still in seventh position on the Absa Premiership log, having 36 points from 25 games.
Kaizer Chiefs 11: Bvuma; Moleko, Cardoso, Hadebe (Moon 37’); Mphahlele, Andrianarimanana, Maluleka, Zulu (Zuma 69’), Ntiya-Ntiya; Ekstein, Parker
Subs not used: Akpeyi, Booysen, Katsande, Gordinho, Frosler
Baroka FC 11: Chipezeze; Semenya, Ntswane, Sibiya, Gerbardt; Patjie, Chinyenkentere, Mosele, Mabeba (Mongae 75’); Makgaka (Mdantsane 62’), Makgantai (Mukume 87’)
Subs not used: Dlamini, Madubanya, Chivaviro, Ntshumayelo
Next Match:
Kaizer Chiefs will face Black Leopards on the road in another Absa Premiership clash at Thohoyandou on Saturday, 13 April. Kick-off is at 15:00.