Kaizer Chiefs experienced their third pre-season loss on the trot, losing 1-0 at the hands of NEC Nijmegen on Friday afternoon.
Following a heavy 4-0 defeat to FC Utrecht on Thursday, coach Nasreddine Nabi opted for a strategic shift, deploying a completely new starting eleven that did not include any of the recently acquired players.
The lineup saw Brandon Petersen in goal, a back four of Zitha Kwinika, Dillon Solomons, Inacio Miguel, and Reeve Frosler, a midfield trio of Samkelo Zwane, George Matlou, and Gaston Sirino, and an attacking front of Tashreeq Morris, Pule Mmodi, and Mfundo Vilakazi.
The match started intensely, with Nijmegen pushing forward early. Brandon Petersen was called into action after 12 minutes, making a superb save to deny the home side.
Nijmegen continued to create opportunities, with a shot from the edge of the box narrowly missing the target after 21 minutes, and another long-range effort in the 36th minute almost catching Petersen out of position.
Chiefs' first real chance arrived a minute later, when Gaston Sirino's close-range effort was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.
The first half concluded goalless, and the competitive nature of the game persisted into the second. Chiefs had a promising free-kick opportunity in the 56th minute, which was unfortunately deflected over the bar.
Soon after, Inacio Miguel had a good chance from a corner, but his shot was saved, and the offside flag was raised. Coach Nabi then executed another round of wholesale changes, introducing Bruce Bvuma, Aden McCarthy, Nkanyiso Shinga, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Thabo Cele, Ethan Chislett, Ashley Du Preez, Glody Lilepo, and Naledi Hlongwane.
KOKI OGAWA FOUND BREAKTHROUGH FOR
However, it was Nijmegen who eventually found the breakthrough in the 73rd minute, with Koki Ogawa's well-placed shot beating Bruce Bvuma.
Despite creating two late chances to salvage a draw, Chiefs couldn't find the back of the net, confirming their third consecutive pre-season setback.
