Minnows make Chiefs sweat for it

David versus Goliath ABC Motsepe side show no respect for Soweto giants

Kaizer Chiefs were saved blushes as they claimed a 3-0 extra-time victory over Magic FC in their last 16 Nedbank Cup tie at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium yesterday.

It took the Glamour Boys all of 105 minutes to score their first goal against the Cape Town-based ABC Motsepe League side, who were forced to bring their home fixture to Port Elizabeth after they failed to secure a venue back home. The game headed into extra time after both sides failed to score in the regulation 90 minutes.

Chiefs were awarded a penalty on the brink of the first half of extra-time after Khama Billiat was brought down inside the box. Daniel Cardoso slotted the spot kick. It unlocked two more goal opportunities for Chiefs, who saw Philani Zulu and Billiat add their names to the goalscoring sheet.

Chiefs could have easily sealed their win as early as in the first half, but once again their inability to put the ball behind the net was exposed against the Magic. Amakhosi dominated in the first half and pushed to get in an early goal but their attempts were fruitless.

Chiefs’ first strike at goals came just four minutes into the game when Happy Mashiane fired a shot from outside the 18-yard area, but his attempt went wide. Minutes later, George Maluleka also tried his luck as they were pressing for an early goal, but that also went wide. The Cape Town side seemed to be a bit star-struck in the first 30 minutes of the game, but later found their feet as they were able enter into the Kaizer Chiefs half on handful of occasions. However, they did not threaten Chiefs goalkeeper

Bruce Bvuma.

Magic seemed to have gained confidence in the second half and David Kannemeyer’s troops had a couple of shots on target but still struggled to beat the Chiefs goalkeeper. Billiat beat Magic’s defence in the 74th minute to find himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but sent the ball flying over the crossbar.

The Cape Town side put on a brave performance against the Soweto giants and should be proud despite their loss.

/ SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX Wade Crowie of the Magic is challenged by Bernard Parker and Leonardo Castro of Kaizer Chiefs during the Nedbank Cup last 16 match at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth yesterday.