Flavio da Silva's Late Goal Powers Chiefs Past Durban City

Flavio da Silva emerged as the hero for Kaizer Chiefs after scoring a late winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Durban City in front of a lively crowd at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night.

The match looked destined to end in a goalless draw, with clear-cut chances few and far between. However, da Silva’s decisive header in the 88th minute gave Amakhosi all three points and lifted them to third place in the Betway Premiership standings with 19 points from 10 matches — one point ahead of rivals Orlando Pirates.

Pirates, who slipped to fourth, will have an opportunity to reclaim third place when they face Mamelodi Sundowns in a top-of-the-table clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off in Durban was delayed by 30 minutes to allow additional time for fans to safely enter the stadium, which was filled with an electric atmosphere throughout.

Backed by their passionate supporters, Chiefs started brightly and took the game to City from the opening whistle.

Co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze kept faith in young star Mfundo Vilakazi, who impressed by setting up two goals in Chiefs’ CAF Confederation Cup win over AS Simba the previous weekend.

Each time Vilakazi touched the ball, the crowd erupted, showing their appreciation for the teenager’s flair and confidence.

Chiefs created early openings, with Mdu Shabalala threading a superb through ball to Glody Lilepo, but the Congolese forward scuffed his left-footed shot. Moments later, Shabalala himself failed to convert after a clever pass from Nkosi Ngcobo, his tame effort easily gathered by Darren Keet.

Despite Chiefs’ dominance, the first half ended goalless, with both teams cancelling each other out.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Chiefs controlling possession and City defending resolutely. Gavin Hunt’s side stayed disciplined and compact, frustrating Amakhosi for much of the game.

City briefly thought they had broken the deadlock through Letsie Koapeng, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Then, with just three minutes remaining, the breakthrough finally came. A precise cross from Gaston Sirino found Flavio da Silva, who rose highest to power home a brilliant header — sending the Chiefs faithful into wild celebration.

The goal marked da Silva’s second at Moses Mabhida Stadium, having also scored the winner on his debut against Golden Arrows earlier this season.

The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the Amakhosi supporters, as Chiefs continued their upward climb in the league standings.