Gamphani Lungu delivered a commanding performance to earn Player of the Match honours as Siwelele FC defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-0, bringing an end to the Soweto giants’ seven-game unbeaten streak in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night.
Lungu was at the heart of everything positive for the hosts, playing a decisive role in both goals in Bloemfontein.
The midfielder was instrumental in the build-up to the opener after just six minutes, when goalkeeper Brandon Petersen could only parry a fierce strike from Mazibuko into the path of Tebogo Potsane, who finished emphatically from a tight angle.
The Zambian international then turned provider midway through the first half, leading a swift counter-attack before picking out Sphesihle Jeza, who showed composure to control and fire past Petersen for Siwelele’s second.
Chiefs struggled to impose themselves in the early exchanges, with their first real opportunity arriving in the 20th minute. Glody Lilepo saw his effort cleared off the line by goalkeeper Ricardo Goss after being picked out by Thabiso Monyane.
Despite tactical changes at the break, including the introduction of Flavio da Silva and Inacio Miguel, Chiefs were unable to break down a well-organised Siwelele side. Mduduzi Shabalala came closest early in the second half, but Goss remained equal to the effort to preserve the hosts’ advantage.
As the game wore on, frustration grew for the visitors, who squandered several late chances. Given Msimango volleyed wide from close range, while Miguel also failed to hit the target with a free header, summing up a disappointing evening for Amakhosi.
Siwelele, meanwhile, looked dangerous throughout, with Lungu’s influence in midfield proving the difference.
And yet no call up to Zambia National Team for a player of such consistence.