Laffor strike sends Sundowns into final
MAMELODI Sundowns advanced to the final of the MTN8 after they beat Chippa United 1-0 in their second leg semi-final tie at the Lucas Moripe Stadium last night.
The first leg ended 0-0 in Port Elizabeth. The win will give Sundowns a timely boost, especially as they find themselves in the midst of a congested fixture list because of their African Champions League commitments.
Sundowns travelled back from Zambia on Monday after claiming a crucial away goal in their 2-1 semi-final first leg defeat away to Zesco United.
Sundowns did look a bit tired throughout the encounter on their home pitch, but a swift counter-attack late in the match saw Anthony Laffor score the crucial goal, which helped his team to qualify for the final against Wits at the Mbombela Stadium on October 1.
Sundowns had a couple of top chances early on in the clash. Captain Hlompho Kekana tried his luck from range in the ninth minute after dispossessing his oppon- ent in the middle of the park, while Yannick Zakri failed to connect to a Khama Billiat square ball a few minutes later.
Chippa, though, played at a great tempo to try to stretch the Sundowns mid- field and defensive line. And the visitors managed to test Sundowns’ goalkeeper Denis Onyango regularly throughout the match.
Chippa had two more chances before the break, but Onyango made two stunning saves to deny Andile Mbenyane and Mbulelo Wambi.
Sundowns regrouped a bit after the break, and their star signing Sibusiso Vilakazi came close to opening the scoring in the 52nd minute following a goalmouth scramble.
But it took another piece of heroic defending to keep Sundowns in the game.
Defender Ricardo Nascimento came up with a brilliant block in the 69th minute to deny Thabang Thopola, who had an open goal to aim at. Sundowns, though, would take the lead in the 76th minute when Laffor poked home after a top counter-attack by the home side, which started deep in their own half.
Chippa had another few chances later in the match to try to get the decisive away goal, but Sundowns stood firm to qualify for yet another cup final. – ANA