Benni McCarthy finally broke his Kaizer Chiefs doekom as his Cape Town City smokkeled a 1-0 PSL win at Soccer City.
Wednesday night’s victory was far from convincing, but Benni would be happy with his first win in four meetings with the Amakhosi after they were over-run for most of the game.
And it didn’t help that they lost topscorer Siphelele Mthembu to an ugly tackle and ankle injury early on.
Ernst Middendorp’s team carved through City at will but were denied by in-form goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh and, in the 69th minute, by the woodwork.
But it was Chiefs’ goalkeeper Virgil Vries who gifted the Citizens their winner.
The Namibian fumbled a 79th-minute Gift Links delivery which Dove Edmilson bundled home and City held on for the win even after Zukile Kewuti was shown a straight red for a reckless challenge on Siphelele Ntshangase.
A relieved McCarthy says: “It was not one of our proudest performances. The first half we were a bit flat. Chiefs could have put the game to bed.
“If it was 0-0, both coaches would have been happy with a point. But the odd occasion you take a smash and grab. But the fight from my players was second to none.”
Man of the Match Leeuwenburgh adds: “We were a little bit lucky with the goal. But sometimes you need a bit of luck. Even with 10 men, we didn’t gave away too many chances.”
WEEKEND PSL FIXTURES
Tonight: Wits v Maritzburg United (8 pm)
Tomorrow: Golden Arrows v Highlands Park (3.30pm), Free State Stars v Polokwane City (6 pm)