PSL: Akpeyi helps Kaizer Chiefs triumph

BY: Abidoye Babatunde

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was in full time action for Kaizer Chiefs in their 3-2 home win against Highlands Park on Saturday, BSNSports reports.   The 32-year-old was making his third consecutive start for Amakhosi as they continue their chase for the PSL title.   It was the visitors who looked the livelier in the early stages of the half, with Ryan Rae and Lindokuhle Mbatha squandering big chances in the opening 15 minutes.   Chiefs, meanwhile, took control from thereafter as Hendrick Ekstein and George Maluleka started dictating play from the middle of the park. The opening goal eventually arrived seven minutes before the break through Bernard Parker, who clinically fired into the bottom corner after some good work by Ekstein. Chiefs' joy was short-lived as Highlands were level two minutes later when poor defending from Chiefs allowed Bevan Fransman - a former AmaKhosi defender- to head past Daniel Akpeyi. Three minutes into the second half, Chiefs restored their lead as Philani Zulu's cross from the left flank was turned home by Leonardo Castro. Chiefs were then dealt a blow on the hour-mark as the influential Parker suffered an ankle sprain and had to be replaced by Andriamirado 'Dax' Andrianarimanana. The home side then put daylight between themselves and Stars as Dumisani Zuma skipped past two challenges before firing into the bottom corner. However, Highlands gave themselves some hope when Lesenya Ramaroka profited from a poor clearance to rifle a low strike past Akpeyi with 13 minutes remaining. Despite the late push for Highlands, Chiefs were able to see out the closing to claim a vital victory to move on to 32 points.