Kaizer Chiefs fall to third straight defeat on Netherlands tour

Kaizer Chiefs remain winless on their tour of the Netherlands after suffering a third defeat from three games in a 0-1 result against NEC Nijmegen on Saturday.

A second half strike from Japanese international forward Koki Ogawa confirmed another defeat for Amakhosi who continue to gain valuable experience against top flight Dutch clubs. However, Chiefs have only scored one goal in three games while conceding seven.

It was a typical pre-season game with fragmented play and a clear lack of sharpness in the final third from both teams. NEC unleashed a barrage of attacks in the first half on the goal of Brandon Peterson but failed to produce an adequate final ball.

Chiefs were reduced to counter-attacks and direct play on the flanks, the best moment of which arrived in the 38th minute when Dillon Solomons and Gaston Sirino combined well. Sirino was able to get in on goal from the right flank but his shot attempt from a difficult angle was closed down well by NEC keeper Gonzalo Crettaz.

More of the same followed in the second half after positive signs from Chiefs at the end of the first half. Ogawa was able to finish for the game’s only goal in the 72nd minute, the result of poor defending from Chiefs who made it too easy for NEC on an attacking movement down the middle.

Chiefs continue their tour of the Netherlands on Tuesday when they face another Eredivise side, Zwolle.