Kaizer Chiefs' victory over Mamelodi Sundowns sets up Nedbank final clash with Orlando Pirates

KAIZER Chiefs’ days of returning to redemption are just one match away, as they reached the Nedbank Cup final after beating Mamelodi Sundowns.

Chiefs had fallen from grace in recent years, enduring a 10-year barren run that made a mockery of their ‘Cup Kings’ tag. The wait could soon be over, however, should they manage to beat the defending champions and arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the final.

This result means that Chiefs are now one match away from not only winning the trophy, but also qualifying for continental football next season. The result might also offer coach Nasreddine Nabi a lifeline, as he has been under pressure to deliver, with his team potentially missing out on the Top 8 this season.

The game did not initially live up to its magnitude, as both teams started cautiously, analysing each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

But such is the nature of Sundowns – they do not need to be at their best to score goals, especially against Chiefs. Mokoena scored a scorching free-kick on the stroke of half-time to give Sundowns the lead and notch their eighth goal against Chiefs this season.

The Brazilians flexed their muscles to prove that when investment is made wisely, it can indeed buy happiness. So much so that when coach Miguel Cardoso made a change in his starting line-up, replacing Jayden Adams with Bathusi Aubaas, his team hardly looked out of place.

Sundowns dominated the midfield battle, with their anchor Teboho Mokoena winning every contest against Thabo Cele.

Chiefs, for all their flaws this season, managed to get the job done – especially having started the game brightly, taking the fight to Sundowns. By the time referee Masixole Bambiso blew the final whistle, the moon that hung over the venue shone brightly for Amakhosi.

The hosts had grown into the game, with Iqraam Rayners testing the waters early, only for his shot to be exceptionally saved by goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma.

Sundowns’ goal was nearly crafted by none other than their main man this season, Lucas Ribeiro – the Brazilian having mesmerised his markers en route to finding Rayners.

But such is the fire in Ribeiro’s belly that he is always likely to ruffle feathers, having received a yellow card in the first half after pushing Gaston Sirino. Clashes involving power dynamics are often fuelled with rage and feistiness – it was clear from the outset that Sirino was up against his former team.

The Uruguayan either clashed with his markers or challenged Bambiso to issue cards for the tackles made against him.

Sirino and co would not have a positive ending to the half, though, as Mokoena struck a set-piece that came off the underside of the crossbar with the final kick before the break.

Nabi’s half-time team talk appeared to work like a charm, as his side returned with renewed vigour, taking the game to the Brazilians. That shift in momentum benefited Chiefs, as Lucas Ribeiro made a costly error 12 minutes later. Wandile Duba intercepted his pass and slotted calmly past Ronwen Williams.

Chiefs continued to press Sundowns and were duly rewarded when Ashley Du Preez finished from close range later on, securing his team’s place in the final.

The victory was widely celebrated by Chiefs supporters, who outnumbered their counterparts, as their side took a significant step closer to ending their long-standing drought.

Scorers

Mamelodi Sundowns 1 – Mokoena 45+1

Kaizer Chiefs 2 – Duba 57, Du Preez 88