Kaizer Chiefs made it three wins in a row in the DStv Premiership when they defeated 10-man Stellenbosch FC 3-1 at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The win elevated Amakhosi to the fourth spot on the league standings - two points behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns and they will now face Chippa United on Saturday. The defeat left Stellies in the sixth spot on the table and they are set to take on Lamontville Golden Arrows on Thursday.
Amakhosi started the game very well, but they were denied three times by goalkeeper Sage Stephens in the opening exchanges. The former Cape Town City keeper pulled off fine saves to deny Kgaogelo Sekgota, Ashley Du Preez and Reeve Frosler.
However, the deadlock was broken by Stellenbosch as they took a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute following a mistake by Njabulo Blom who gave away possession in his own half. Nhlanhla Mgaga made no mistake as he beat keeper Itumeleng Khune with a low shot to hand the hosts the lead.
However, the visitors, who had lost Khune due to an injury, fought back and they were awarded a penalty when Mogamad De Goede was adjudged to have fouled Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana in the box. Bimenyimana dusted himself down and converted the penalty to make it 1-1 in first half stoppage time.
Amakhosi pilled pressure on Stellies after the restart and they were awarded another penalty after Fawaaz Basadien was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Bimenyimana stepped up and beat Stephens from the spot-kick to hand Chiefs a 2-1 lead in the 49th minute.
The hosts pushed forward in numbers, but they left spaces behind their defence which was exploited by Bimenyimana. The Burundi international was sent through on goal, but he was fouled in the box by De Goede who was sent off as Amakhosi were awarded their third penalty in the 55th minute.
Once again Bimenyimana dusted himself down and converted from the penalty to make it 3-1 to Chiefs. Stellenbosch launched late attacks looking to grab at least two goals, but they were frustrated by the visitors' defence, and ultimately, Chiefs merged as 3-1 winners.
Stellenbosch 1-3 Chiefs
Mgaga 29' - Bimenyimana 45'+4, 49', 56'
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Van Rooyen, Sibiya, De Goede, Basadien, Mthethwa (Nduli 81'), Jabaar (Makhanya 66'), Mgaga, Mendieta (Boji 66'), Van Wyk (Adams 76'), Mngomezulu (Titus 66').
Chiefs: Khune (Petersen 38'), Frosler, Dove, Ngezana, Hlanti, Blom, Dolly (Solomons 78'), Maart (Zwane 78'), Du Preez, Sekgota, Bimenyimana (Nkosi Ngcobo 59').