Pro Philani looks back at this weekend’s football action as Kaizer Chiefs returned to winning ways, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns progressed to the CAFCC and CAFCL quarter-finals respectively.
Usuthu bow out with dignity.
AmaZulu travelled to Conakry already eliminated in the CAFCL to face another eliminated side, Horoya SC, to play a 1-1 draw. Missed chances in the final 10 minutes showed why Usuthu are draw kings [14] of the DStv Premiership 2021/22 season. A mistake by Philani Zulu in the first half was punished by Horoya before half-time.
AmaZulu came back stronger in the second half and the pressure paid off when a Thabo Qalinge cross was deflected for an own goal by Coulibaly of Horoya. Usuthu finished above Horoya with just seven points, two points above Horoya and bow out of the CAFCL with a little bit of pride.
AmaZulu bow out of the Champions League with a draw against Horoya away in Guinea. Both teams have been eliminated from the competition.
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 1, 2022
📺 Watch #TotalEnergiesCAFCL highlight here: https://t.co/zK4JsTAsS9 pic.twitter.com/Iehs0DnCq8
Downs’ dominance continues
Mamelodi Sundowns finished the CAFCL group stages unbeaten once again, a milestone they first achieved in the 2019/20 season. They also became the first team in the history of the CAFCL to finish group stages with 16 points. In this season of the CAFCL, Sundowns have been a dominant side beating Al Ahly and Al Hilal home and away, and taking four points from Al Merreikh.
Sundowns opened the scoring in the 15th minute through George Maluleka, who earned his first start of the season and his first goal since December 2018. The Brazilians came out guns blazing in the second half and it was the high pressing game that earned them the second and third goals from Surprise Ralani and Kermit Erasmus respectively.
The South African champions completed the group stages with 10 goals from seven different scorers.
CAFCL QUARTERFINALS LINE-UP
— FARPost_ZA (@FARPostZA) April 4, 2022
Mamelodi Sundowns, Raja AC, Esperance ,Wydad AC.
Al Ahly, ES Setif, CR Belouizdad
Petro de Luanda.
The draw for the quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday (15:00), 5 April 2022 at the Caf headquarters in Cairo.#CAFCL #FARPost pic.twitter.com/UZ6Ew5INNm
Dull draw in Orlando
Pirates welcomed back their fans for the first time in two years at Orlando Stadium with a dull 0-0 draw in the CAFCC matchday six. Pirates had to play without Olisa Ndah and Deon Hotto who both have been consistent performers for the Buccaneers this season.
The Sea Robbers are through to the quarter-finals for the second time in a row and will fancy their chances of going all the way.
Caf Confederation Cup Quarter Finalists
— Africa View Facts (@AfricaViewFacts) April 3, 2022
Al Ahly Tripoli 🇱🇾
Al-Ittihad 🇱🇾
Al Masry 🇪🇬
Orlando Pirates 🇿🇦
Pyramids🇪🇬
RSB Berkane 🇲🇦
Simba SC 🇹🇿
Tp Mazembe 🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/uyhADyta6A
Royal AM the ‘Spice People’ reduce the gap at the top.
A Victor Letsoalo brace earned Royal Andile Mpisane an important victory which reduced the gap to 11 points from leaders, Sundowns. Letsoalo’s brace took his tally to 13 goals, two short of the leading goal scorer, Peter Shalulile.
This victory will allow the John Maduka-led side to start dreaming about the possibilities of playing in the CAFCL with just seven games to go. AM are chased by Chiefs who are two points behind plus two games in hand and Pirates who are five points behind with same number of games.
90 minutes ends. @TSGALAXYFC 1-4 RAM#royalam | #thwihlithwahla pic.twitter.com/56GIhoMXIv
— RoyalAM_FC (@RAMFC_sa) April 2, 2022
Kaizer Chiefs return to winning ways
A brilliant second half allowed Amakhosi to snatch a victory in Gqeberha and further push Chippa United down the relegation battle, who are still winless at home.
Man of the match, Khama Billiat was instrumental in ensuring Amakhosi keep the pressure at the top. In the second half, substitute Keegan Dolly scored a goal of the month type of goal directly from a free-kick which left Chippa’s keeper with no chance. Another substitute, Cole Alexander sealed the victory with a tap-in to give Amakhosi all three points. Abuyile!
Keagan Dolly ke star 🌟
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 2, 2022
The quality of this free-kick 👌
📺 Stream the #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/0BMWdeEYT3 pic.twitter.com/wn7qQPTONw
Baroka’s struggles continue…
A missed penalty, a red card, and five goals against in the second half cemented Baroka’s 16th spot in the DStv Premiership as Bakgaga succumbed to a thorough beating by Cape Town City in Cape Town.
City are still unbeaten in 2022 and coach Eric Tinkler will enjoy this run of form, his side have enjoyed since he returned to the hot seat at the beginning of the season. Tinkler gave Bafana international goalkeeper, Darren Keet, a debut to remember.
In the third minute of the game, Keet saved a Baroka penalty to boost his confidence but later conceded a low shot after Baroka went through City’s defence with ease.
Still in the second half, Khanyisa Mayo continued with his form as he found an equalizer in the 50th minute. A quick double from former Baroka captain, Mdu Mdatsane, four minutes apart crippled the Limpopo side, and soon afterwards he had to receive his marching orders for a second bookable offense.
With both sides a man down, Baroka looked to be out of depth and ideas but also lacked the will to fight back as City found the back of the net twice from Craig Martin and substitute Tashreeq Morris from the penalty spot to ensure a 5-1 win.
This win moved City to 4th on the table and in pursuit of the CAFCC spot which is still up for grabs.
Cape Town City hit Baroka for five to win and move into fourth on the #DStvPrem log. pic.twitter.com/SjQoNYNWvS
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 3, 2022
Golden Arrows fly high
Arrows’ rich form continued when they took advantage of 9-men SuperSport United to claim a 3-2 win at home. Two penalties, one on each end, and a Selaelo Rasebotja 25th minute strike gave the Pretoria outfit a 2-1 lead at halftime
Then a moment of madness fell on coach Kaitano Tembo’s men when Gabuza and Rayners were both given their marching orders. Arrows capitalized on that through Knox Mutizwa and Velemseni Ndwandwe to come back and claim all three points.
Goal highlights of last nights game! The Comeback is always greater then the set back! 💚💛🏹🤝#sthendeway #greenandgold pic.twitter.com/KB5IqxqSth
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) April 3, 2022