Inacio misses two penalties as Chiefs lose to Kotoko in last pre-season gig in Durban

TimesLIVE

4 days ago

Shinga certainly looked solid in a position for which Nabi struggled to get a regular player last season. Physically, the Durban-born Shinga showed he is not easy to beat and at times supported Glody Lilepo in attack.
Monyane, signed from Chiefs' Soweto archrivals Orlando Pirates, was his usual self, very keen to help when his new team attacked, but his poor final ball will need to improve.
There was clear evidence of growth on the part of McCarthy, who was playing alongside Inacio in front of goalkeeper Brandon Peterson — who seems to be the preferred No 1 by Nabi these days.
In the midfield, Chiefs battled to create clear openings, but Sibongiseni Mthethwa showed why Nabi preferred him in the defensive midfield role as he helped clean up when Thabo Cele, Mfundo Vilakazi and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo lost possession.
Many had written off Da Silva before this match, but he did show glimpses of being a good target man, and his movement off the ball was not bad. He nearly gave Chiefs the lead midway through the first half when he connected with Ngcobo's free kick but was unlucky to miss the posts.
Nabi made a couple of changes at the restart, as he was keen to test as many players in the last proper pre-season match before Chiefs open their league campaign away to Stellenbosch FC in Cape Town on August 10.
Da Silva made way for Wandile Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala came on for Cele, while Mmodi took Vilakazi's place. Duba was unlucky to see his delightful strike hit the upright, just 10 minutes after he entered the fray on a pitch that looked in need of tender care, a week before the start of the football season.
Nabi will be happy his substitutes Shabalala and Mmodi combined well, creating the penalty that Inacio missed. Referee Philangenkosi Khumalo pointed to the spot after Mmodi was fouled by Henry Ansu, with Shabalala having played him through with a headed pass.
As much as Chiefs showed promise in this encounter, it will, however, be how they do in their first five league matches that will give a clearer indication whether they avoid finishing outside the top eight for a third successive season.