Kaizer Chiefs survive Siwelele pressure to close in on Orlando Pirates

Kaizer Chiefs returned to winning ways in tense fashion when they beat Siwelele FC 3-2 at the Dobsonville Stadium in a Betway Premiership match on Sunday.

Chiefs, who had recorded back-to-back draws against Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay, ended that run but it was far from comfortable for Fernando da Cruz’s team.

The Soweto giants commanded the game and were rewarded with the opening goal after 29 minutes when Mfundo Vilakazi scored in brilliant fashion.

A good ball from midfield went over the Siwelele defence before it fell to Vilakazi and the forward noticed the goalkeeper off his line, looping it over him for 1-0.

Five minutes later, Chiefs had the ball in the back of the net when Wandile Duba completed a swift counter-attacking move but it was chopped off for offside.

Chiefs take two-goal lead before Siwelele pull back

Just before halftime, Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was forced into a fingertip save to keep out a ball that was headed into the top corner as Amakhosi headed into the break with a 1-0 lead.

By this time, Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika was lucky to still be on the pitch after his nasty lunge on the ankle of Blessing Thulo.

Chiefs had to wait until the 65^th minute for the second goal and it was worth the wait. A cross into the box from Mduduzi Shabalala was met by Duba and he scored exquisitely via a backheel for 2-0.

However, two minutes later, Siwelele pulled one back when Aphiwe Baliti got into the box and fired past Petersen and into the roof of the net.

Da Cruz would then make a hat-trick of changes, bringing on Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Luke Baartman and Faiz Abrahams for Shabalala, Vilakazi and Siphesihle Ndlovu and they paid off soon after.

Siwelele threaten to spoil Amakhosi’s party

With 14 minutes remaining, Abrahams curled in a freekick which was designed for a header but the ball hit the post and bounced off Siwelele goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu and into the net.

By this time, Chiefs thought they had all three points in the bag but Siwelele threatened a late comeback when their former player played a hand in the second goal.

Against the run of play, Teboho Potsane cut back for the onrushing Michel N’Guessan to slam home past Petersen in stoppage time.

Chiefs would, however, hold on to win the match and take their tally to 11 points from five games, moving up to third place on the standings.

The Soweto giants are now two points behind champions Orlando Pirates and five behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played a game more.