Khune’s brilliance denies Aces

Cape Town- Kaizer Chiefs bagged their third Absa Premiership victory when they defeated a gutsy Mpumalanga Black Aces 1-0 at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.

A first half header by Camaldine Abraw was enough to give the defending league champions their second win over Muhsin Ertugral’s men, after beating them 2-1 in the Telkom Knockout last weekend.

Following the victory, Amakhosi move to fourth on the Absa Premiership log standings with 14 points and will head to the Soweto derby to face rivals Orlando Pirates in high spirits, whilst Ertugral’s men are placed in the third spot with 15 points. 

As early as the ninth minute, Aces nearly beat man of the match Itumeleng Khune when midfielder Lebogang Manyama took a shot which deflected off Erick Mathoho, with the keeper diving to the other direction but it went over the posts for a corner.

However, after 20 minutes, Amakhosi regained control of the proceedings and made good moves forward in search of opener, with George Lebese delivering great crosses in search of Edward Manqele and Abraw. However, Shu-Aib Walters stood his ground and collected with ease.

Just after 30 minutes of action, Steve Komphela’s men received a free kick and skipper Siphiwe Tshabalala played it short with Lebese, who delivered a cross to the Togolese forward. 

Abraw netted with ease with a beautiful header, easily beating Walter. Kaizer Chiefs went into half-time 1-0 up. 

In the second stanza, Muhsin Ertugral rung the changes and introduced Mpho Matsi for Vincent Kobola, hoping to trouble the defending league champions.

In the 63rd minute Abraw nearly bagged his brace when he released a thunderbolt away from the box. Walters punched the ball away and defender Ashraf Hendricks cleared the danger.

However, six minutes later a cross from Thabo Nonyane was met by an intelligent back heel by Sibusiso Masina and he nearly stunned Khune on his near post, but the ball went just wide.

Aces moved forward with purpose and kept Khune busy when he made a brilliant save to punch a deflected cross from the left at his near post. 

As Aces enjoyed possession, the Bafana Bafana net minder was invited to make another save when he denied Collins Mbesuma following a powerful header. 

Khune was named man of the match for his heroics. 
 
Kaizer Chiefs 1 (Abraw 32’)
Black Aces 0