Kaizer Chiefs edge out Stellenbosch as new signing Glody Lilepo makes instant impact

The match took place under a warm Cape Town evening, with both teams eager to climb up the league table. A win for Chiefs in their 17th match would propel them to fourth place, while a victory for Stellies in their 14th fixture would push them into fifth, ahead of Amakhosi.

As expected, Chiefs fans dominated the atmosphere in a packed Athlone Stadium, and they had plenty to cheer about early on. New signing Glody Lilepo made an immediate impact, rising to meet a cross and scoring with a header in the fourth minute to put Chiefs ahead.

Stellenbosch's Chumani Butsaka had a long-range effort in the 12th minute, but Bruce Bvuma comfortably saved. At the other end, Lilepo missed a chance in the 14th minute, sending his shot wide.

The opening 30 minutes belonged to the Amakhosi, who created the better chances, with Lilepo and Tashreeq Morris particularly troublesome for the Stellies defense.

Thabo Cele nearly doubled the lead in the 41st minute with a set-piece effort, but Sage Stephens was equal to the task, making a solid save.

At halftime, Lilepo's early goal was the difference between the sides. The second half saw more intensity, but neither team managed to generate clear-cut opportunities.

Five minutes into the second half, Lilepo's free-kick shot was easily gathered by Stephens. A few minutes later, Lilepo had another attempt from open play, but Stephens was again quick to deny him.

The first real chance of the second half came in the 70th minute when Pule Mmodi tested Stephens with a long-range shot, but the keeper pushed the ball around the post to keep the scoreline unchanged.

Stellenbosch had a late opportunity to level the match in the dying minutes when debutant Faiz Abrahams fired a shot wide of the target, missing a golden chance to equalize.

With the 1-0 win, Chiefs moved into fourth place with 25 points from 17 matches, while Stellenbosch slipped to eighth with 20 points from 14 games.

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