Kaizer Chiefs secured their place in the CAF Confederation Cup group
stages with an emphatic 3-1 victory over AS Simba at a vibrant Dobsonville
Stadium on Sunday. The win sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph and marked a
successful return to continental football’s group phases for the Soweto
giants.
Blistering Start Seals the Tie
Chiefs exploded out of the gates, effectively deciding the tie within the
first half-hour. The decision to recall Glody Lilepo paid immediate
dividends. Just three minutes in, the Congolese winger forced a save from
the Simba goalkeeper, allowing debutant striker Etiosa Ighodaro to pounce
on the rebound and slot home his first goal for the club.
The lead was doubled in the 14th minute when Zitha Kwinika rose highest to
turn Mfundo Vilakazi’s pinpoint free-kick into the net. The onslaught
continued as Vilakazi turned provider again, his corner met by a powerful,
towering header from Glody Lilepo in the 25th minute to put Chiefs in a
commanding position.
The only setback of the first half was a serious-looking injury to the
influential Lilepo, who was stretchered off just before the break.
Controlled Second Half Sees Chiefs Through
The second half saw Chiefs manage the game effectively, though they had
chances to extend their lead, most notably when substitute Pule Mmodi
failed to convert a clear one-on-one opportunity.
AS Simba managed a consolation goal with ten minutes remaining, a
unfortunate Aden McCarthy own goal deflecting a cross past a stranded
Brandon Petersen. However, it was too little, too late for the visitors,
as Chiefs professionally saw out the match to book their group-stage
ticket.
Line-Ups
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Cross, McCarthy, Kwinika, Solomons, Mthethwa
(Matlou 65′), Ngcobo, Shabalala, Vilakazi (Velebayi 65′), Lilepo (Mmodi
46′), Ighodaro.
Subs: Bvuma, Frosler, Matlou, Cele, Maboe, Sirino, Mmodi, Velebayi, Du
Preez.
