Olerato Mandi of Sekhukhune United is swarmed by the Kaizer Chiefs' defence during their Betway Premiership clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday night. The Amakhosi won the match 2-0 and secured third place in the league with the victory. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs officially secured CAF Confederation Cup qualification after two late goals earned them an all-important 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in a tense Betway Premiership clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday evening.
Amakhosi broke a shaky five-game winless record as they also finished in the top eight for the first time in three seasons.
Although it took a while, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 86th minute through unlikely hero Tashreeq Morris, who had not played a single minute all season before making his second-half appearance. The experienced striker reacted quickest inside the area to tap home from close range after excellent wing play by Glody Lilepo.
Chiefs then wrapped up the victory deep into stoppage time as Mfundo Vilakazi calmly converted from the penalty spot after Lilepo was brought down in the box.
The victory lifted Amakhosi onto 51 points after 28 matches, which secured third place in the league standings after they opened an unassailable seven-point gap over fourth-placed AmaZulu with only two games remaining. Sekhukhune, meanwhile, remained fifth on 42 points.
Although Chiefs emerged encouraged by their draw against Mamelodi Sundowns last week, they still arrived in Polokwane under pressure after enduring a four-match winless run. The opening half reflected that tension. Chiefs controlled possession for large spells but struggled to create clear opportunities against a disciplined Sekhukhune defensive system.
Their best moment before half-time arrived in the 25th minute, after Lilepo produced excellent work down the right flank before finding Pule Mmodi in the box. However, Mmodi dragged his curling effort narrowly wide with only the goalkeeper left to beat.
Looking to increase attacking urgency after the interval, Chiefs introduced Thabo Cele and Reeve Frosler for Thabiso Monyane and Ox Mthethwa. The tactical changes immediately improved the visitors' game.
Within the opening 10 minutes of the second half, Gaston Sirino, Lilepo and Flavio da Silva were all denied by Sekhukhune goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata, as Chiefs piled on the pressure. Sekhukhune continued competing aggressively and physically but gradually began retreating deeper as Chiefs dominated territory late in the game.
Eventually the pressure told. Morris’ late breakthrough finally released the tension before Vilakazi’s penalty completed an important night for Amakhosi, as they officially booked their return to pan-African football next season.
Next on the agenda for Amakhosi is a trip to AmaZulu in Durban on Saturday, but they will be pleased to head into that game without the jeopardy of potentially losing their top-three spot.
For Sekhukhune, it was a disappointing night, one that ended their continental ambitions; they are now left with a place in next season's MTN8 as consolation. Next on their agenda is a daunting trip to Richards Bay as part of their last two games of the season.
Sekhukhune United 0
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 2
Morris 86, Vilakazi 90+3-pen