Half-Time Report: Polokwane City 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs: Rise and Shine stun Amakhosi in Tshwane

Half-Time Report: Polokwane City 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs: Rise and Shine stun Amakhosi in Tshwane

In their second Premier Soccer League (PSL) match since the restart of their league campaign, Kaizer Chiefs visit hoodoo side Polokwane City at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon but they went into the half-time break trailing 1-0.

Fresh from a 1-1 draw against Bidvest Wits on Wednesday night, the log leaders were looking avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of Rise and Shine at FNB Stadium in the first round.

Coach Ernst Middendorp made four changes from the team he used against the Clever Boys at Orlando Stadium where he brought on Anthony Akumu, Lazarous Kambole, Kearyn Baccus as well as Reeve Frosler.

On the part of the hosts, coach Clinton Larsen was chasing a win as they returned to action since March when the season was forcefully halted because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, In the seventh minute, Samir Nurkovic nearly opened the scoring when he received a ball in the box, yet his half-volley could only hit the side of the net.

Seven minutes later, City forced a save out of goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi who managed to punch Vusimuzi Mngomezulu’s cross away from danger.

Two minutes later, the deadlock was broken by the Polokwane-based club when Baccus was dispossessed in the heart of the park allowing Lesiba Nku to capitalize when he flicked the ball over the oncoming Akpeyi.

Skipper Jabulani Maluleka delivered his trademark defence-splitting passes for Salulani Phiri but the speedy attacker could not direct his effort on target with only Akpeyi to beat in the 20th minute.

Polokwane goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe had to protect their lead when he denied the Soweto giants through Kambole heading to the 40th minute.

Larsen’s troops had better chances to double their lead but they were not clinical upfront heading to the tunnel as they led 1-0.