Plucky Chiefs Fall To Mazembe

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday March 18, 2013 00:00

 

Chiefs had put up an inspiring performance at a packed UB Stadium after Mazembe missed a penalty early in the first half but Samata Mbwana Ally grabbed the winner to break the hearts of Magosi faithful 15 minutes before time.

Michael Mogaladi, who had been erratic in central defence, failed to clear the ball on the edge of the box and it fell to the Tanzanian who had ample space to control and unleash a screamer from 25 yards, beating Mompoloki Sephekolo hands down.

Chiefs' coach, Madinda Ndlovu seemed to have got his tactics right, making some notable changes by playing Tshepo Motlhabankwe on the left side of defence where Sekgabo Molebatsi had struggled to adapt, while Amos Godirwang started ahead of Dirang Moloi in midfield.

Moloi was the star performer on the day, partnering with Elvis Meleka to neutralise Mazembe in the midfield. He shielded the defence well, won possession in central midfield and took a couple of shots at goal.

Both sides were less offensive at the start of the match but Mazembe still managed to exert pressure, forcing Chiefs to concede a free kick in a dangerous spot outside the 18-yard area in the seventh minute.

Phenyo Mongala had his shot flashed in front of Robert Kidiaba's goal after Pontsho Moloi sold two Mazembe defenders a dummy before cutting inside to set him up. The unexpected happened in the 17th minute when the referee awarded Mazembe a penalty after Chiefs skipper, Arnold Chaka brought down The Ravens captain Tresor Mputu with a slight push inside the box.

Kasusula Kilicho stepped forward to take the penalty but his shot shaved the crossbar before going out much to the relief of Chiefs. Chiefs then slowly settled into the match, going forward cautiously while defending solidly.  Godirwang had Chiefs' first shot on target in the 45th minute but Kidiaba dealt with it easily. Mazembe gradually dominated possession during the second half though they got a scare from Galabgwe Moyana, who nearly scored against the run of play with an in curling corner that touched the crossbar before going over.

Zambian international, Rainford Kalaba nearly opened the score in the 68th minute with a shot that deflected on Chaka and hit the upright for a corner.

Madinda Ndlovu was forced to make some replacements after Kekaetswe Moloi and Mongala got injured, bringing in Jerome Ramatlhakwana and Lesego Galenamotlhale, while Dirang Moloi came in for his brother, Pontsho. Dirang brought creativity that was lacking upfront and the visitors had to endure some tense moments towards the end of the match as Chiefs tried to get a goal.

Kimwaki Mpela nearly scored an own goal in injury time, deflecting Galenamotlhale's shot, but the ball went inches wide.

Line Ups:Chiefs: Sephekolo-Chaka, Mogaladi, Motlhabankwe, Segabo Molebatsi-Meleka, Godirwang, Mongala (Ramatlhakwana 64), Pontsho (Dirang 76), Moyana, Kekaetswe (Galenamotlhale 82)Mazembe: Kidiaba-Mputu, Nkululuta Miala, Richard Boateng, Kilicho-MpelaIlongo Ngasanya, Daniel Ni Adjei (Ndonga Mianga 85), Kalaba, Jonas Sakuwaha (Salomon Asante (58)-Ally