Chiefs’ Victory Secured by Vilakazi’s Last-Minute Goal against Sekhukhune
Mfundo Vilakazi’s stunning late curler in the dying moments left the Moses Mabhida crowd astonished and secured a narrow 1-0 win for Kaizer Chiefs over Sekhukhune United during a gripping Betway Premiership encounter in Durban on Sunday afternoon.
Competing in their second successive game at their alternate venue, Amakhosi aimed to recover from a 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows at the same location the previous Sunday.
The Soweto giants were without their head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who faced suspension after receiving a red card for dissent in the aftermath of his confrontation with match officials following the loss to Arrows.
As referee Akhona Makalima blew the whistle to commence the match, it kicked off at a fast pace, with the Chiefs showcasing clear attacking ambitions from the outset.
The Limpopo side seemed to be weathering the early pressure from the home team, opting for a more defensive approach in the initial stages of the game.
After earning the first corner of the match, the hosts almost found the back of the net when Rushwin Dortley’s excellent header forced a quick reflex save from Badra Sangare in the 10th minute.
A prime opportunity went begging for Wandile Duba in the 21st minute, who was brilliantly set up by Pule Mmodi. In a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, Duba attempted a delicate chip but was thwarted by Sangare, who quickly reacted to collect the ball.
The visitors registered their first shot on target in the 30th minute when left-back Vuyo Letlapa capped off a determined run with a dangerous long-range effort that Bruce Bvuma managed to deflect for a corner.
Sangare once again came to his team’s aid 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, but his shot was directed straight at the goalkeeper.
The first half concluded with both teams locked in a goalless draw.
Babina Noko made two substitutions at halftime, bringing Tshepo Mokoena and Linda Mntambo on for Katlego Otladisa and Vusimuzi Mncube in midfield.
Similarly, the hosts brought 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, bringing on Relebogile Mokhouane for Thabang Monare.
Another remarkable save was needed from the Sekhukhune goalkeeper after Vilakazi’s skillful penetration into the box set him up for a one-on-one chance, but the keeper was again in the right position to deny him.
An off-the-ball incident in the 84th minute led to Sekhukhune defender Letlapa being shown a straight red card for a foul on Vilakazi.
The Soweto giants quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage. Just a minute post-dismissal, substitute Vilakazi launched a beautiful shot past Sangare, bouncing off the far post to give Chiefs the lead in the 87th minute.
The intensity of the match escalated following the goal, with both teams engaging in a thrilling back-and-forth contest in the closing moments.
After additional time had elapsed, the referee blew her whistle, relieving the pressure on Chiefs, who had just halted Sekhukhune’s five-game winning streak that had been ongoing since November 2024.