
In a breathtaking finish, Mfundo Vilakazi’s late curling shot in the final minutes astonished the Moses Mabhida crowd and secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Kaizer Chiefs over Sekhukhune United in a thrilling Betway Premiership clash in Durban on Sunday afternoon.
Competing in their second consecutive match at this alternate venue, Amakhosi aimed to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows at the same ground the previous Sunday.
The Soweto side was without their head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who was serving a suspension after receiving a red card for dissent following a heated exchange with match officials after the loss to Arrows.
As referee Akhona Makalima signaled the start of the match, it began with a frenetic pace, showcasing the Chiefs’ clear attacking intentions right from the start.
The Limpopo team appeared to absorb the early pressure from the hosts, adopting a more defensive stance in the opening phases of the game.
The home team nearly found the net after winning the first corner of the match, as Rushwin Dortley’s powerful header was brilliantly saved by Badra Sangare in the 10th minute.
A golden opportunity slipped away for Wandile Duba in the 21st minute when he was expertly set up by Pule Mmodi. In a one-on-one scenario with the goalkeeper, Duba tried a delicate chip but was denied by Sangare, who quickly reacted to gather the ball.
The visitors recorded their first shot on target in the 30th minute, with left-back Vuyo Letlapa finishing a determined run with a dangerous long-range attempt that was deflected for a corner by Bruce Bvuma.
Once again, Sangare came to the rescue with a crucial one-on-one save in the 45th minute, as Tebogo Potsane capitalized on a clever through ball and made a bending run, only to have his shot go straight to the goalkeeper.
The first half concluded with both teams still seeking a breakthrough, ending goalless.
Babina Noko made two substitutions at halftime, introducing Tshepo Mokoena and Linda Mntambo for Katlego Otladisa and Vusimuzi Mncube in midfield.
In response, the hosts also made changes, bringing on captain Yusuf Maart and Mfundo Vilakazi in the 59th minute, replacing George Matlou and Mfundo Vilakazi.
Sekhukhune also implemented an additional midfield change during this break, introducing Relebogile Mokhouane for Thabang Monare.
Another remarkable save was required from the Sekhukhune goalkeeper after Vilakazi skillfully maneuvered into the box for a one-on-one chance, but the keeper stayed alert to deny him once more.
An off-the-ball incident in the 84th minute resulted in Sekhukhune defender Letlapa receiving a straight red card for a foul on Vilakazi.
Capitalizing quickly on their numerical advantage, the Soweto giants saw substitute Vilakazi strike a stunning shot past Sangare, hitting the far post and putting Chiefs ahead in the 87th minute.
The match’s intensity surged following the goal, with both teams engaging in an exciting back-and-forth contest in the dying moments.
After the additional time was played, the referee’s whistle brought relief to Chiefs, who had just ended Sekhukhune’s impressive five-game winning streak that had stretched back to November 2024.