Advertisement

Shabalala comes to the rescue for Chiefs

aquatics30 October 2024 19:40| © Backpage TXT
Share

Magesi showed their naivety after they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Kaizer Chiefs at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday.

Clinton Larsen's side took a shock lead through Wonderboy Makhubu against the run of play on six minutes and they looked destined for another historic victory when Edmore Chirambadare doubled their advantage 18 minutes from time.

Mduduzi Shabalala would come to Amakhosi's rescue though, scoring two goals in the space of a minute to give the travelling fans something to cheer about as they stared a third consecutive defeat in the face.

Magesi had a spring in their step after going unbeaten in their last three league games, while also claiming the scalp of Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout round of 16.

The Glamour Boys were looking to snap a two-match losing streak which pushed them out of the top eight, having won their opening two fixtures of the season under Nasreddine Nabi.

The hosts got off to a dream start in Polokwane when John Mokone sent in a cross from the left and Makhubu steered a downward header into the bottom right corner of the net from six yards out.

Chiefs immediately went in search of an equaliser, with Shabalala hitting the target in the 12th and 17th minute, but Elvis Chipezeze was on hand to deny him on both occasions.

Ranga Chivaviro also drew a save out of Chipezeze on 29 minutes after getting his head on the end of Mfundo Vilakazi's cross before Blom also tested the Zimbabwean goalkeeper moments later.

Vilakazi then tried his luck on 35 minutes, although his shot flew narrowly over the crossbar as Dikwena tsa Meetse survived a first-half onslaught to lead 1-0 at the break.

Bradley Cross threatened to restore parity on 57 minutes with a header that missed the target by inches, but instead it was Magesi who struck again 15 minutes later when Chirambadare converted a set-piece.

The game turned on its head soon afterwards though, as Shabalala hit back for the visitors on 77 minutes and the Chiefs youth product scored again seconds later after the opposition switched off.

Magesi avoided any further disaster, however, as they saw out the remainder of the match to earn a share of the spoils, having given another Soweto giant a mighty scare.

Magesi (1) 2 (Makhubu 6', Chirambadare 72')

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 2 (Shabalala 77', 78')

Magesi: E. Chipezeze, D. Abrahams, L. Mokone, L. Mzava, J. Mokone, S. Darpoh, D. Mekoa, G. Mashigo (M. Matima 60'), T. Kakora (K. Sekgota 74'), E. Chirambadare (M. Buthelezi 74'), W. Makhubu (R. Manzini 84').

Kaizer Chiefs: F. Ntwari, R. Frosler, G. Msimango, R. Dortley, B. Cross (H. Mashiane 58'), N. Blom, Y. Maart (S. Zwane 62'), N. Ngcobo (G. Sirino 46'), M. Shabalala, M. Vilakazi (W. Duba 66'), R. Chivaviro (A. Du Preez 46').

Advertisement