Johannesburg – Kaizer Chiefs made it two from two as they beat hosts, Mpumalanga Black Aces, 2-1 at Mbombela Stadium in a Premiership clash on Wednesday evening.
Goals from Mandla Masango and Reneilwe Letsholonyane sealed the points for Amakhosi, who followed up their first win of the season against Free State Stars, with another maximum tally.
Masango had put the Glamour Boys ahead inside the opening quarter, before Aubrey Ngoma scored his first goal for Aces, after joining from Orlando Pirates before the new season.
But Letsholonyane restored Chiefs' lead on the stroke of half-time to see out a solid performance.
The visitors were doing all the early playing and before long, the Glamour Boys took the lead.
A delightful ball over the top of the Aces back line unlocked the defence, allowing Masango to latch onto the ball, showing a good touch to control it.
A retreating Sandile Zuke made a hash of the clearance and collided with his goalkeeper, leaving Masango to slot home into an empty lead, to hand Chiefs the early advantage.
Amakhosi looked in devastating form and continued their early charge as Kingston Nkhatha rattled the crossbar shortly after, as Aces struggled to re-organise themselves after the opening goal.
Chiefs were relentless and Masango came close to adding to his tally twice in the space of a minute.
First, goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro punched away a snap-shot from inside the area, before the quick-footed Masango flashed narrowly over the bar from the resulting corner.
AmaZayoni found a way back into the game and found their feet as Ngoma drew level with a fantastic volley in the 41st.
A pass over the top was flicked on by Collins Mbesuma, falling to Ngoma, who drove home a brilliant shot from a tight angle to bring the game level shortly before the interval.
But Chiefs were not to be denied the half-time lead as Letsholonyane continued the trend of some sumptuous action by hammering an effort from close range.
The skilful midfielder picked up on a loose ball from inside the area and took it first time to regain the lead for Chiefs, who went into the break gasping for air after a thrilling opening 45 minutes.
Leading at the break, Chiefs looked to consolidate their advantage and remained patient in defence, while Aces had the lion's share of possession, but could not get past a strong back four.
Chiefs shot-stopper Itumeleng Khune made two vital saves near the end to deny Tendai Ndoro and Abia Nale, keeping Chiefs in the lead and helping his outfit see out the win.
Six points from two games will have coach Stuart Baxter smiling ahead of Chiefs's MTN8 semifinal clash against the ever-dangerous Platinum Stars, in Rustenburg, over the weekend. – Sapa