Milford FC send Chiefs packing
AMAKHOSI’S TROPHY WAIT CONTINUES
Kaizer Chiefs were dumped out of the Nedbank Cup at the first hurdle yesterday evening, losing to Patrice Motsepe Championship side Milford FC in a penalty shootout at FNB Stadium.
Edson Castillo blazed his spot kick over the bar, meaning that when Milford goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza beat Bruce Bvuma with Milford’s fifth successful penalty in a row, an amazing victory for the side from Richards Bay was sealed.
The result means that Amakhosi are almost certain to finish a ninth season in a row without any silverware. Cavin Johnson’s side also had a penalty saved in extra time, and wasted several other opportunities to kill off their lower division opponents.
Chiefs made a bright start and should have taken the lead in the sixth minute. Christian Saile sent in a fine low cross and Ashley Du Preez looked like he had to score from about two metres out, but instead he hit the bar.
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo fizzed a shot just wide a minute later, before another Du Preez effort was somehow cleared off the line by desperate Milford defending.
Chiefs lost impetus as the half wore on, and while Milford defended resolutely, they were not able to get much joy at the other end of the pitch.
After the break, Saile had an effort blocked at the back post, while Castillo couldn’t finish off a decent opportunity.
Cavin Johnson made a triple substitution in the 63rd minute, including giving 18 year-old Mfundo Vilakazi his debut.
Vilakazi had a great chance to score in the 73rd minute, but hit his shot too close to Hleza.
Chiefs almost found a winner in the 85th minute, substitute Ranga Chivaviro’s shot fumbled onto his post by Hleza.
The game went into extra time and Chiefs won a penalty in the 103rd minute, awarded by referee Xola Sitela for a hanball by Unathi Somabehle.
Chivaviro stepped up and Hleza sprung to his right to make a fine save.
In the 111th minute, referee Sitela showed a straight red card to Milford defender Vusumuzi Mthabela for a studs-up challenge on Pule Mmodi.
In stoppage time in extra time, Chiefs should have won it, but three players somehow butchered a chance from a Dillon Solomons cross, Christopher Mbhele scrambling the ball off the line.