The victory Chiefs needed

Johannesburg - The celebrations by Kaizer Chiefs said it all. This was a massive three points, particularly after dropping six vital points in their last three matches.

What made this victory even sweeter was how it was achieved and what it meant to the whole Amakhosi family.

Although Steve Komphela did not show any emotion at the end, he knows the importance of the win and the impact it has in the title race.

As for Sundowns, the struggle continues as they have now gone four games without a win, having lost two and drawn as many. Pitso Mosimane will not be happy with his charges as they failed to impose themselves. But with three fewer games than their rivals, they still have a great chance of getting their act together.

It was a highly competitive and entertaining match that neither side wanted to lose.

It was also good on the eye as the players gave nothing away.

The two teams came to this game without winning their previous three league matches and wanted to go back to winning ways and climb up the ladder.

Not only did the opening 45 minutes keep the supporters on their toes, but the entire proceedings throughout the match.

Itumeleng Khune was unlucky to retrieve the ball from his own goals after a Khama Billiat’s shot was deflected into a goal.

From this game it was clear that the Brazilians have missed Billiat, who was making his return to the game after recovering from a leg injury that kept him on the sidelines for few games.

Chiefs’ never-say-die attitude brought them into the game as they found their way back through Bernard Parker who equalised in the 35th minute.

After the entertaining first half, the second period followed the same pattern with end-to-end stuff.

Downs could have taken the lead, only for Khune to thwart Themba Zane.

Chiefs took the lead in the seventh minute when they benefited from an own goal by Bangaly Soumahoro, whose back pass beat goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.

But credit should go to Chiefs substitute Gustavo Paez whose pressure made Downs cracking at the back.

Khune pulled off a last-minute save to deny Hlompho Kekana from a superb free kick.

It was not surprising that the final whistle was met with jubilations from the home side.

Chiefs were hungrier and deserved the three points.

They will be hoping this will kick-start their title challenge and keep up the pressure on Wits.

This will surely send a clear message to their rivals that they are up to the challenge.

Bernard Parker 35,

Bangaly

Soumahoro 78

Khama Billiat 25