Soweto beat Tshwane to semis
Chiefs scratch out a result against SuperSport as swashbuckling Buccaneers see off Sundowns
AN injury-time brace from George Lebese earned Kaizer Chiefs a testy victory against Supersport United and a place in the Nedbank Cup semifinals.
Last year’s finalists — where Chiefs won 1-0 in extra time — produced something of a slugfest in a slow-paced quarterfinal that ended with a double bang.
Amakhosi’s back-to-back 1-0 league defeats against Black Aces and Mamelodi Sundowns had seen them cede the PSL lead to the latter, and burst the air of invincibility Chiefs exuded in a run of 17 league and cup matches without a loss before that.
But yesterday they again showed their knack for grinding out results when their fluency deserts them.
SuperSport coach Cavin Johnson made one change from a line-up that had remained constant for his side’s victories against Orlando Pirates and Free State Stars, Sibusiso Khumalo coming in for Bennett Chenene.
Chiefs counterpart Stuart Baxter made four changes from the team that faced Aces. He brought in Kgotso Moleko at right back, with Siboniso Gaxa relegated to the bench.
Mulomowandau Mathoho came in for the suspended Morgan Gould at centre back. Siyabonga Nkosi and George Maluleka replaced Bernard Parker and Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
Despite winning a league and cup double already with a squad that’s arguably a notch below the other two sides in SA’s big three in strength, Baxter has his critics.
There are two Chiefs — the side that dominated Sundowns with precise, patient build-ups but ended up unfortunate losers. And yesterday’s Amakhosi, who can really scratch out a result like a chicken in the dirt.
In fairness, it was that sort of game and slow afternoon at FNB. SuperSport did not help by also lacking fluency.
Unfortunately it never made for much of a spectacle at the World Cup final venue.
The first half was a forgettable affair. The two sides played percentage football, and not even too well at that, and chances in front of goal were almost non-existent.
Chiefs’ clearest opportunity came in the eighth minute when Siphiwe Tshabalala’s corner was headed wide by defender Tefu Mashamaite. That was about the extent of the goalmouth action in the opening 45 minutes.
Thuso Phala scuffed a shot wide for SuperSport early in the second half, and Thabo Moloi’s effort from a corner was struck better, but also off target.
Baxter tried to free the game up by introducing Parker for Nkosi and Katlego Mphela for Kingston Nkhatha.
Johnson responded with Jabu Mahlangu, Sameehg Doutie and Thabiso Nkoana for Morne Nel, Bradley Grobler and Lebogang Manyama.
The two sides did lift the tempo in the last 10 minutes. And a minute into injury time Gaxa, on minutes earlier for the injured Moleko, produced a run down the right and squared for Lebese to slam into the roof of the net.
Lebese was free in the area again two minutes later to place a second past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
sports@timesmedia.co.za