Sekhukhune United Football Club displayed great character to secure the first away win in the 2022/23 DSTV Premiership Season when they claimed a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening. It was Sekhukhune United’s second victory in 2023.
Showing no signs of slowing down Babina Noko’s Vusimuzi Mncube and Tlotlo Leepile combined well to trouble Amakhosi’s defense. Minutes into the first half Chibuike Ohizu managed to set up Mncube inside the box but his shot was off target.
Both teams failed to break the deadlock and it was all level at the break.
Zitha Kwinika was dispossessed on the halfway line by Mncube, who ran past and fired the ball past Kaizer Chiefs Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, to put Babina Noko ahead in the 48th Minute of the second half.
With Amakhosi pushing for an equalizer, the Center pairing of Edwin Gyimah and Daniel Cardoso was at their best intercepting all dangerous balls in Babina Noko’s box. Neat build-up play in the right allowed Mncube to deliver a wonderful cross in the Chiefs box but it was saved by Itumeleng Khune.
Amakhosi did manage to carve out an opportunity in the second half of the game as Yusuf Maart latched onto a pass from Sifiso Hlanti just outside the box before unleashing a curling strike that forced Ali Badra Sangare into a save.
Babina Noko controlled the tempo as they enjoyed more possession, but the hosts’ defense maintained its shape, depriving them of clear-cut chances.
In the end, Babina Noko was able to secure a hard-fought victory with a clean sheet to spoil Amakhosi’s 53rd birthday celebrations.
Both teams will return to action next weekend with Babina Noko away to ‘Stellies’ in Cape Town, while Chiefs will face off against Amazulu at Moses Mabhida stadium.
XI: Sangare, Mobbie, Zulu, Cardoso, Gyimah, Leepile (Mosiathlaga 87’), Ohizu (Mahashe 79’), Kabwe (Mashikinya 67’), Mncube (Mokwana 79’), Seabi, Letsoalo
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