Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs recorded a 2-0 victory over Steve Komphela's Golden Arrows on Tuesday night to maintain their grip on top spot in the Absa Premiership standings.
Amakhosi opened their account in the first half thanks to a Daniel Cardozo penalty before Nkosinathi Sibisi put the ball in his own net on the hour mark to give the hosts what would turn out to be an insurmountable two-goal lead.
The opening minutes of the first half produced little in the way of goal-scoring chances, with both sides feeling each other out in the opening exchanges.
However, Chiefs began to assert themselves as the match wore on and Chiefs fired a warning shot in the 13th minute as Khama Billiat dragged his shot just inches wide from the right-hand side of the area.
Arrows hit back with a chance of their own just four minutes later, but Knox Mutizwa was unable to generate enough power on his shot as goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi - starting in place of the injured Itumeleng Khune - collected the ball with ease.
The visitors were made to rue that missed opportunity as Lebogang Manyama fired over from range before Chiefs earned a penalty a few minutes later. Siyabonga Dube's outstretched arm blocked Billiat's shot, and Cardoso stepped up to calmly convert the resulting spot-kick.
Arrows threatened to score as the first half drew to a close, but Yagan Sasman did well to put in a crucial challenge on Sibusiso Sibeko, who looked to be through on goal.
And, there was another vital interception on the stroke of half-time as Kearyn Baccus cleared the ball off the line with Arrows pushing for the equaliser.
However, Arrows were left with a mountain to claim after the break as Chiefs doubled their advantage on the hour mark, Nkosinathi Sibisi putting the ball in his own net after Billiat's header came back off the post.
Chiefs were forced into making a change ten minutes later as the injured Baccus made way for Dumisani Zuma, who very nearly burst through on goal as the linesman raised his flag for offside.
The visitors went agonisingly close to pulling one back in the 79th minute, but Mutizwa somehow failed to hit the target after Akpeyi spilled the ball back into the danger area.
Arrows had one last chance to net a consolation in injury time, but it was not to be as Akpeyi made the save to ensure a clean sheet for the hosts.
