Nurkovic on the scoresheet as Chiefs down Chippa

Kaizer Chiefs returned from the FIFA break with a valuable 3-1 win over Chippa United on Saturday.

Austin Dube, Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Siyabonga Ngezana formed a reshuffled backline with Daniel Cardoso and Njabulo Ngcobo benched. Keagan Dolly was also benched as Kearyn Baccus started while Samir Nurkovinc was chosen to lead the line. Meanwhile, Azola Matrose made his full debut for Chippa.

Chiefs took the game to Chippa right from the off as Billiat's attempt at goal was blocked in the opening minute.

Chippa responded and were millimetres away from taking the lead. They countered through Azola Matrose, who put in a delightful cross for Bienvenu Evan Nga, whose toe poke came back off the upright.

In the 15th minute, Khama Billiat released Nurkovic with a pinpoint pass and the Serbian striker had only the keeper to beat but put it wide.

Chippa were holding on as Chiefs piled on the pressure. Lloyd Kazapua made a fantastic save to deny Nurkovic before Dube headed inches over the bar.

The Amakhosi frontman would get his goal in the 24th minute after Billiat's square pass gave him a close-range finish.

Chippa had barely threatened but did have an attempt five minutes before half-time when Roscoe Pietersen rose highest to meet Tebogo Makobela's corner and it was saved by Brandon Peterson.

The Chilli Boys continued their improvement from the latter stages of the second half and equalised in the 51st minute through their talisman Eva Nga, who slotted the ball calmly past Peterson after finding himself through on goal following a breakaway for his tenth goal of the season.

Chiefs were finding joy in the wide areas and Njabulo Blom's cross gave Nurkovic a good opportunity but he put it wide of the left post.

In the 53rd minute Frosler