Kaizer Chiefs have booked their place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals after overcoming Siwelele FC with a 2-1 victory at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday.
The result gives Amakhosi a much-needed boost after their 2-1 Soweto Derby defeat to Orlando Pirates last weekend. Coach Fernando da Cruz will also be pleased to see his team respond positively and move one step closer to winning silverware.
However, Chiefs had to work hard for their quarter-final victory after falling behind early in the contest.
Siwelele Strike First Through Ndebele
Siwelele FC started brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute when Ndebele rose to score with a powerful header.
The visitors continued to threaten, with Jeza forcing a brilliant save from Brandon Petersen in the opening stages. Pule also tested the Chiefs goalkeeper with a powerful low effort.
Chiefs attempted to respond, but their attacking players struggled to find the breakthrough. Vilakazi had an opportunity from a free kick, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Shabalala Misses Penalty Before Duba Equalises
The match took another dramatic turn in the 37th minute when the referee awarded Chiefs a penalty after Pule fouled Vilakazi inside the box.
Mduduzi Shabalala stepped up to take the spot-kick but sent his effort over the crossbar, wasting a golden opportunity to bring Amakhosi level.
Chiefs were handed another penalty just before half-time after Ndebele fouled Shabalala.
This time, Wandile Duba took responsibility and made no mistake, sending goalkeeper February the wrong way in the 45th minute to make it 1-1.
The teams went into the break level after an eventful first half that featured three penalties-related incidents and plenty of attacking action.
Velebayi Delivers the Winning Goal
Chiefs returned for the second half determined to find a winner and continued to push forward.
Solomons came close from a free kick in the 61st minute, with his effort narrowly missing the target.
Da Cruz then made a double substitution in the 74th minute, introducing Flavio Da Silva and Asanele Velebayi for Duba and Shabalala.
The changes paid off ten minutes later when Velebayi found the back of the net with a composed, low finish on the right to give Chiefs a crucial 2-1 lead.
Siwelele could not find another equaliser as Amakhosi held on through the closing stages, including four minutes of stoppage time.
Chiefs Move One Step Closer to Carling Knockout Glory
The 2-1 victory sends Kaizer Chiefs into the Carling Knockout semi-finals, keeping their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.
The win is also an important response to their recent Soweto Derby disappointment, while Siwelele FC are left to reflect on a quarter-final exit after a competitive performance.
Chiefs will now turn their attention to the semi-final draw as they continue their pursuit of domestic silverware under Fernando da Cruz.
