sportskeeda
Ashley du Preez scored a vital late goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Kaizer Chiefs over Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium on Sunday evening. This win sets up an exciting Nedbank Cup final clash against Orlando Pirates next month.
In the dying moments of the match, Du Preez capitalized on an open space, completing a comeback for the Chiefs, who had fallen behind earlier. Now, the Chiefs are poised to take on the Pirates, who earned their final spot with a 1-0 win against Marumo Gallants earlier that day.
It’s worth noting that this match marked the first Nedbank Cup meeting between Sundowns and Chiefs since the commercial bank began its sponsorship during the 2007/08 season.
The last time they faced off in the cup was in 2006, then known as the Absa Cup, during which Chiefs emerged victorious via penalties and went on to claim the trophy against Pirates, also through penalties, at Kings Park Stadium in Durban.
Although Sundowns had triumphed over Chiefs in their previous three encounters this season, they were unable to replicate that success. The Chiefs exhibited impressive organization, effectively neutralizing Sundowns’ midfield and crafting a closely contested atmosphere.
Sirino attempted a long-range shot against his former teammate Ronwen Williams, but the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper made a crucial save, resulting in a corner. From that corner, Chiefs’ Glody Lilepo nearly scored with a header that missed the target. The Chiefs showed their resolve, not allowing Sundowns any room to breathe in Pretoria.
Sundowns encountered a setback when Divine Lunga, who had shone in their midweek draw against ES Esperance, had to leave the match due to a suspected muscle injury in the 42nd minute. He was replaced by young Asekho Tiwani, despite experienced Aubrey Modiba being available on the bench.
Just before the break, Teboho Mokoena executed a superb free-kick that sailed past Bruce Bvuma, giving Sundowns a 1-0 lead. However, the Chiefs quickly responded as Wandile Duba intercepted a pass meant for Mokoena from Lucas Suarez and broke free to score past Williams. This marked yet another crucial error from Suarez, who had previously been penalized during Sundowns’ league loss against Orlando Pirates.
As the game progressed, Chiefs took control in the 89th minute. Du Preez, who had replaced Duba, skillfully side-footed the ball into the net after Sundowns failed to clear a free-kick. George Matlou provided an accurate cross, and Du Preez finished with precision, capitalizing on Sundowns’ poor marking.
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, facing considerable pressure, remained composed in the dugout, perhaps in disbelief at the turn of events. This victory marks Chiefs’ first appearance in the Nedbank Cup final since the 2018/19 season, when they were defeated by TS Galaxy in Durban.
The Soweto derby final is set to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May.
