Kaizer Chiefs sink 10-man Stellenbosch in Betway Premiership opener

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo opened the scoring in the 15th minute from a super free kick, as Stellies signing Siviwe Nkwali was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Mduduzi Shabalala.

The match looked destined to end 1-0 until Makabi Lilepo converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to seal the result for Amakhosi.

It was a significant win for Chiefs, who handed debuts to Thabiso Monyane and Naledi Hlongwane. The visitors started brightly, with their pace up front putting early pressure on the Stellenbosch defence. That pressure paid off when Nkwali brought down Shabalala on the edge of the box and was promptly sent off.

Ngcobo stepped up and curled the resulting free kick into the net, beating a despairing Sage Stephens in goal.

Despite going a man down, Stellenbosch responded positively. Andre De Jongâ™s header was cleared off the line by Wandile Duba, and moments later, Devon Titus struck the upright after a dazzling run down the flank.

As the first half neared its end, Titus again came close, forcing a sharp save from Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen with a well-struck volley.

The second half was more one-sided, with Chiefs dominating possession as Stellenbosch struggled to cope with their numerical disadvantage.

Wandile Duba squandered a golden chance in the 64th minute, firing wildly over after being played through by Shabalala. Ten minutes later, Lilepo fired over from close range after a driven cross from the left.

Substitute Gaston Sirino added a spark late on and tested Stephens with a fierce effort, but the Stellies keeper stood firm.

Stellenbosch pushed for a late equaliser, committing bodies forward in stoppage time. However, their gamble backfired when Ashley Du Preez was brought down in the box, leading to a penalty six minutes into added time.

Lilepo stepped up and calmly slotted home to confirm an important three points for Kaizer Chiefs in their season opener.

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