Posted in Match Report, News on Oct 28, 2017.
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 3 (Maluleka 32’, Ekstein 55’, Tshabalala 59’)
AmaZulu 0
What Happened?
Kaizer Chiefs easily beat AmaZulu 3-0 in a Telkom Knockout clash at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium to progress to the Last 8. George Maluleka scored the opening goal in the 32nd minute, while Hendrick Ekstein and Siphiwe Tshabalala added the other two.
Amakhosi started the game well, creating a few goalscoring opportunities in the first half. However, it was AmaZulu that got the first proper chance in this match, but Itumeleng Khune made an excellent save,
It was an open game with both teams playing positive soccer, willing to go forward whenever having the chance to do so.
There was a good crowd with about 25 000 spectators in attendance, mostly Chiefs supporters. It took care of a great atmosphere in the stadium.
Maluleka got the ball just outside the box in the 32nd minute and decided to have a go at goal. A deflection off a defender took care that the ball changed direction to leave the Usuthu goalkeeper no chance.
The midfielder also scored in Chiefs’ last home game in Durban against Baroka FC, netting the sole goal in his side’s 2-1 loss. The goal against AmaZulu was his second this season.
The Glamour Boys upped the tempo in the second half and it soon resulted in the second goal, when a shot from Ekstein deflected past the goalkeeper in the 55th minute.
Soon thereafter, Siphiwe Tshabalala added a third goal barely four minutes later. It was a result of Chiefs’ dominance on the night.
The Glamour Boys were by far the better team and fully deserved the win to progress to the next round of the Telkom Knockout.
Key moment in the match:
That must be George Maluleka’s opening goal in the first half. It was a result of Kaizer Chiefs’ dominance and if AmaZulu thought that it still had a chance to progress to the next round, that goal definitely broke Usuthu’s spirits.
Most Valuable Player (MVP):
There were a few candidates to be selected as the Absa Premiership Man of the Match, but it was eventually given to George Maluleka, deservedly so. He won numerous balls in midfield and looked dangerous whenever going forward. His goal in the first half was excellent and it decided the outcome of the game.
What it means:
It means that Kaizer Chiefs progress to the Telkom Knockout quarter-finals.
Kaizer Chiefs 11: Khune; Cardoso, Mathoho, Ngezana, Zulu; Tshabalala (Moon 75’), Katsande, Maluleka, Molangoane; Ekstein (Meyiwa 86’), Parker (Zuma 70’)
Subs not used: Khuzwayo, Gordinho, Jayiya, Páez
AmaZulu 11: Pule; B. Mbatha, P. Gumede. M. Gumede, Sikhakhane; Cele, Ncube (Mnguni 83’), Darpoh, Ncobeni, Khenyeza (Nomvethe 60’), Manzini (Ntsundwana 77’)
Subs not used: S. Mbatha, Mtsweni, Mngqibisi, Dlamini
Next Match:
Amakhosi will next face Polokwane City on the road at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday, 31 October (kick-off at 19:30).