Late goal sinks Spurs in South Africa

Tottenham got their pre-season campaign off to a losing start after a late goal handed Kaizer Chiefs a 1-0 win in South Africa on Saturday.

The English Premier League club shaded their South African Premier Soccer League opponents for much of the encounter at Peter Mowkaba stadium in Polokwane, but ended the first test of their two-game tour of South Africa in defeat.

Kaizer Chiefs had the first real chance of the game in the 15th minute, when left-winger Siphiwe Tshabalala sent an effort from 30 yards just past the post of Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.

Spurs winger Gareth Bale provided his side’s best opportunity to get on the score sheet in the 68th minute, with his cross met by fellow second-half substitute Peter Crouch.

The towering striker’s header was on target, but could not beat Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

Man-of-the-match Khune kept out another great chance for Tottenham in the closing minutes of the game when he saved from Bale.

Chiefs then immediately broke, with midfielder Lebese scoring from 12 yards out to clinch a late win for his side.

Tottenham will be hoping to improve on their performance in their next match, against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday.