DStv Premiership Report: AmaZulu v Kaizer Chiefs 13 January 2021

DStv Premiership

Result: AmaZulu 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs

Date: 13 January 2021

Venue: Jonsson Kings Park

Kaizer Chiefs ended their seven-game winless run in the DStv Premiership with a 1-0 win over Benni McCarthy's AmaZulu on Wednesday afternoon.

Samir Nurkovic started for the first time this season in the absence of Leonardo Castro, as the Amakhosi recalled Philani Zulu, Dumisani Zuma and Happy Mashiane from the loss to Maritzburg United.

Nurkovic repaid the faith shown in him on ten minutes when he stayed central in the six-yard area to sweep home a loose clearance from Siyethemba Sithebe to open his account for the season.

AmaZulu were inches away from drawing level following the half-hour mark through a glancing header in the area from Siphelele Mthembu, but the attempt flew wide of Daniel Akpeyi's goal.

Gavin Hunt’s side recovered and looked for a second minutes before halftime with a curling shot out wide from Zuma, but AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa made a save.

A substitution from the Amakhosi four minutes into the second half saw Mashiane, who limped uncomfortably much of the first half, withdrawn for Lazarous Kambole.

Chiefs targeted a second goal ten minutes after the restart with a rising header from a corner-kick by Anthony Akumu Agay, but it sailed over the top of the intended target.

Usuthu launched a threat too midway in the second half when a pin-point header in the area from Tapelo Xoki narrowly shaved the bottom-corner.

Nurkovic should’ve bagged a goal second goal a little later after getting a head onto a back-post delivery from Zuma, but Mothwa pushed to the near side to pull off a firm save.

Usuthu had chances to draw level late in the match, while a snap shot from Kambole brought Mothwa to an outstretch save as the Amakhosi held their nerve to return to winning ways.

Here's how they lined up:

AmaZulu: 44. Mothwa, 5. Sikhakhane, 17. Gumede, 25. Mzava, 27. Xoki, 8. Makhaula, 10. Sithebe, 23. Mlambo, 19. Chawapihwa, 30. Mulenga, 9. Mthembu

Subs: 28. Mbatha, 24. Masilela, 32. Khumalo, 6. Ncube, 2. Magubane, 38. Mahlambi, 15. Memela, 45. Ntsundwana, 20. Majoro

Chiefs: 40. Akpeyi, 30. Ngezana, 22. Zulu, 2. Mphahlele, 4. Cardoso, 5. Agay, 43. Matsheke, 19. Mashiane, 28. Zuma, 25. Parker, 9. Nurkovic.

Subs: 44. Bvuma, 18. Moleko, 7. Kambole, 6. Baccus, 10. Ntshangase, 20. Sasman, 45. Blom, 37. Ngcobo, 47. Lesako.

View the Chiefs players awaiting decisions from the club on their future: