Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was named man of the match following his impressive display in Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-0 away win against Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby on Saturday, reports Completesports.com.
Despite criticism over his performance in the 1-0 home defeat to Maritzburg United last weekend, Akpeyi kept his place in goal ahead of Bafana Bafana shot stopper Itumeleng Khune.
Lebogang Manyama netted the winning goal for Kaizer Chiefs on the half hour mark.
Akpeyi made his first significant save of the game in the 15th minute when he stopped Gabadinho Mhango’s close-range effort.
The former Warri Wolves goalie also denied Thembinkosi Lorch in the 27th minute.
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The 31-year-old produced three stunning saves in the final quarter following close-range efforts from Lorch and Luvuyo Memela, with the third attempt from a distance flying wide.
He kept the Amakhosi in the game yet again after turning Ntsikelelo Nyauza’s side-footer behind for a corner three minutes from time.
Kaizer Chiefs stretched their lead to nine points at the top of the table following the win.
By Adeboye Amosu
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COMMENTS
Our naija number one goalkeeper congratulations!
The match report by Sowetan Live sports column of this derby – that ended 1:0 in favour of Kaiser Chiefs – was an absolute labour of love to read.
Reviewing the match, they started by saying:”Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was spectacular between the posts as Kaizer Chiefs managed the portions of the game they needed to, and kept a dangerous Orlando Pirates at bay for a crucial 1-0 Absa Premiership victory in Saturday’s Soweto derby at FNB Stadium ”
They went on to write: “Pirates probably had more chances over the 90 minutes. Akpeyi was monstrous in denying them.”
And concluded by praising the coach’s decision to retain Akpeyi as the number 1 (in the face of had great criticisms) by saying: “It was a masterstroke from Chiefs’ coach to persist with Akpeyi over Khune in the league. Had the decision backfired, he would have been castigated. The Nigeria No 1 was breathtakingly good.”
In my view, Akpeyi did not just become good overnight, he has always breathtakingly good. Sadly, many fans just choose to focus on his shortcomings.
Khune must play….Khune must play, Khune played last weekend and the team was dumped out of the Cup by a supposedly weaker team. The coach reverted to Akpeyi today and another clean sheet and man-of-the-match performance against fiercest rivals and fellow title contenders.
I think fans should just leave coaches to do their job. They work with these players on daily basis and at close quarters, enough to be able to take decisions. It’s their job, it’s what they’re getting paid for,it’s what puts food on their tables. I don’t think they would intentionally toy with it.
And for those alarmists who claim there’s a goalkeeping crises in the SE….for the upteenth time, there is none. We might not have a Buffon or Alison or Enyeama anywhere on this planet currently, but we’ve got 3 goalkeepers who can get the job done when called upon.
In a league that has the current national team goalkeepers of Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Zambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Ex-goalkeeprs of Cameroon and Botswana, as well as Belgian and Dutch goalkeepers, if our own “USELESS AKPEYI” is emerging as the best, then I think we should hands off the young man and let him be. He evidently isn’t as useless as we have christened him.
Well said. Many fans are stuck in perpetual daydreaming, with heads in the clouds. Akpeyi is
is on the rise, not bothered with detractors.
Nice one, Akpeyi. Thumbs up. But u need to work on your vulnerablility to make silly mistakes, thas just the only problem u have. Fix that, and the you’re there.
Number one for the SE vs SL