Kaizer Chiefs easily overcame a challenge from Sundowns to win their opening Castle Premiership match 2-0 against the Pretoria side at Ellis Park on Saturday.

What made the victory even more remarkable was the fact that Amakhosi were without several of their star players due to injury.

In an exciting match that produced end-to-end action, Chiefs struck twice in as many minutes to see off the Sundowns challenge.

After a rather evenly balanced opening spell, Chiefs netted their opening goal deep into injury time of the first half to take a morale boosting lead.

Winger Arthur Zwane won a throw on the right, and from that move, the right-sided player beat two defenders before playing the ball to veteran midfielder Shoes Moshoeu. The former Bafana Bafana international made no mistake as he hammered an unstoppable shot past Andre Arendse to take Chiefs into the break a goal up.

But the misery did not end there for Sundowns, straight from the restart Chiefs attacked through striker Sibusiso Dlamini. The Swazi international waltzed past the Brazilians defence before knocking the ball back to Patrick Mayo who tapped the ball into an unguarded net.

It was cruel luck, especially for Sundowns goalkeeper, Arendse who had kept his side in the match with a few great saves. During a great first half Arendse kept out Mayo, who had only the goalkeeper to beat, as well as a great save from a curling Moshoeu free-kick.

The Brazilians had their chances but were unable to take advantage. Godfrey Sapula played his heart out for Sundowns in midfield and along with Arendse were the best players for the Pretoria side.

During the second half the pace was also frenetic with Sundowns doing their best to get back into the match, while Chiefs looked to finish off the visitors. Chiefs had two great chances, but on both occasions substitute David Radebe was thwarted by Arendse.

In the end, Chiefs were full value for their victory. Chiefs Academy star Junior Khanye also made his debut to a loud roar of approval from the Amakhosi supporters when he came on for Rene Richards on 81 minutes.

Teams:

Kaizer Chiefs: Baloyi, Nzama, McCarthy, Mabedi, Kannemeyer, Moshoeu (Mooki 71), Nengomashe, Richards (Khanye 81), Zwane, Mayo, Dlamini (Radebe 61).


Subs not used: Fernandez, Matshitse, Mendu, Musasa.

Sundowns: Arendse, Chalwe, Manzini, Oattra, Shai, Guela, Sapula, Mazibuko (Mavimbela 75), Masehe (Mthembu 62), Tienie (Kilambe 62), Mudau.


Subs not used: Kananelo, Qaba, Nunens, Ndlovu.

Ref: Mochubela

Yellow cards: Guela 26.