Kaizer Chiefs head coach Khalil Ben Youssef has issued an apology to the club’s fans following their 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday.
AmaKhosi drew first blood as Flávio Silva netted in the 36th minute. However, their lead would not last as Langelihle Phili drew Stellies level in the 51st minute before Devin Titus bagged the winner in the 87th minute to hand the hosts their second loss of the Betway Premiership campaign.
The Maroons have now beaten AmaKhosi twice in February after claiming a first cup win against the Soweto Giants, knocking the defending champions out of the Nedbank Cup in the first round.
With their third loss in their last four games across all competitions, Chiefs sit in fourth place on the Betway Premiership log, level with AmaZulu on 30 points.
“First, we have to apologise to our fans. We are so sorry for this result,” said Ben Youssef in the post match press conference.
The coach once again bemoaned his players missing chances in the first half, where Chiefs undoubtedly had the upper hand. Ashley Du Preez was one culprit guilty of missing a golden opportunity, where he missed a simple tap in in the 32nd minute.
“I think we dominated the first half. We were better than the opponent team. We [had] a lot of opportunity. We missed a lot of chances in the first half. I think what we said always and what we repeat, when you are better than the opponent team and you get the opportunity, you have to finish the game, you have to score. We missed a lot of chances.
“We started very badly in the second half. We conceded the first goal in the first five minutes. Then we tried to make substitutions to add value for the team. But I think [Stellenbosch] in the second half was better than us,” Ben Youssef said.
“Like I said, we have to apologise to our fans.”
AmaKhosi will have to dust themselves off as they prepare for the Soweto Derby against bitter rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, as both sides look claim vital points in the title race.
