Mfundo Vilakazi delivered a breathtaking late curler in the final moments, leaving the Moses Mabhida crowd in disbelief and securing a narrow 1-0 victory for Kaizer Chiefs against Sekhukhune United in an intense Betway Premiership clash in Durban on Sunday afternoon.

Playing their second consecutive match at their alternate venue, Amakhosi aimed to bounce back from a previous 1-0 loss to Golden Arrows at the same ground.

The Soweto giants were without their head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who was suspended after receiving a red card for dissent following a confrontation with match officials subsequent to the defeat against Arrows.

As referee Akhona Makalima signaled the start of the match, it commenced at a brisk pace, with Chiefs displaying clear attacking intent right from the beginning.

The visitors from Limpopo appeared to absorb the early pressure from the home side, opting for a more defensive strategy in the initial phases of the game.

The hosts nearly scored after earning the first corner of the match when Rushwin Dortley’s superb header forced a quick reflex save from Badra Sangare in the 10th minute.

Wandile Duba squandered a golden opportunity in the 21st minute when he was expertly set up by Pule Mmodi. In a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, Duba opted for a delicate chip but was denied by Sangare, who reacted swiftly to gather the ball.

The visitors made their first attempt on target in the 30th minute when left-back Vuyo Letlapa concluded a determined run with a perilous long-range shot that Bruce Bvuma managed to deflect for a corner.

Sangare once more provided crucial assistance to his team with a vital one-on-one save in the 45th minute as Tebogo Potsane took advantage of a clever through ball, but his attempt was directed straight at the goalkeeper.

The first half ended with both teams in a stalemate at 0-0.

Babina Noko made two substitutions at halftime, introducing Tshepo Mokoena and Linda Mntambo in place of Katlego Otladisa and Vusimuzi Mncube in midfield.

Similarly, the hosts brought in captain Yusuf Maart and Mfundo Vilakazi in the 59th minute, substituting George Matlou and Mfundo Vilakazi.

Sekhukhune also made an additional midfield change during this interval, introducing Relebogile Mokhouane for Thabang Monare.

Another extraordinary save was required from the Sekhukhune goalkeeper after Vilakazi skillfully maneuvered into the box and created a one-on-one opportunity, but the keeper was once again perfectly positioned to thwart him.

An off-the-ball incident in the 84th minute resulted in Sekhukhune defender Letlapa receiving a straight red card for a foul on Vilakazi.

The Soweto giants quickly took advantage of their numerical superiority. Just a minute after the dismissal, substitute Vilakazi unleashed a stunning shot past Sangare, ricocheting off the far post to give Chiefs the lead in the 87th minute.

The match intensified after the goal, with both teams engaging in an exhilarating back-and-forth battle in the dying moments.

After additional time had elapsed, the referee concluded the match, alleviating the pressure on Chiefs, who had just ended Sekhukhune’s five-game winning streak that had continued since November 2024.