Kaizer Chiefs collected their first win in the Netherlands after beating PEC Zwole 1-0 on Tueday evening.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi only made one change from their 1-0 defeat to NEC Nijmegen a few days ago, with Pule Mmodi replacing Thabo Cele.
The home side had the first decent chance after 15 minutes after Mduduzi Shabalala lost the ball close to his own box, but the subsequent shot sailed past the post.
Chiefs had a rare opportunity after 31 minutes but a shot from new signing Flavio Da Silva flew over the bar.
The home side almost scored after 37 but their striker missed the target from close range. The game went goalless into the break, but it was arguably Amakhosi’s best half in the Netherlands.
Chiefs continued their fine performance after the break and found the opener after 53 minute when a shot by Shabalala hit the post before Naledi Hlongwane, who had replaced Flavio Da Silva in the first half, scored from the rebound.
Nabi then rang the changes with the likes of Bruce Bvuma, Reeve Frosler, Ethan Chislett, Gaston Sirino, George Matlou, Mfundo Vilakazi and Thulani Mabaso coming on, while Kabelo Nkgwesa and Wandile Duba were also given game-time in the second half.
Despite the changes Chiefs were hardly threatened until Bvuma came up with two great saves in the 82nd minute to keep his side ahead. On the other side, Vilakazi forced the Zwolle keeper into another good save in the 89th minute.
Chiefs managed to bring the victory home – their first after suffering three straight defeats.
Chiefs starting XI: Petersen, Monyane, Miguel, McCarthy, Shinga, Mthethwa, Shabalala, Ngcobo, Mmodi, Lilepo, Da Silva
Image credit: Kaizer Chiefs
