Ashley Du Preez’s late goal secured a 2-1 victory for Kaizer Chiefs over Mamelodi Sundowns, setting up a Soweto Derby Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates.
The first-half saw Teboho Mokoena open the scoring, while Wandile Duba netted an equaliser in the second-half. The two Soweto giants, Chiefs and Pirates will face off in the final on 10 May at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Amakhosi’s line-up had two changes from their previous game against TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership. Thabo Cele, returning from injury, replaced Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, while Edmilson Dove stepped in for the injured Inacio Miguel.
Sundowns also made two changes from their CAF Champions League match against Esperance, bringing in Bathusi Aubaas and Iqraam Rayners for Jayden Adams and Arthur Sales.
An early moment of danger arrived within five minutes, as Wandile Duba’s audacious backheel attempt from close range was blocked by Aubaas.
Then, in the 9th minute, Rayners came close to getting an opener, firing Marcelo Allende’s cutback inches above the crossbar.
Sundowns asserted control, dictating play and searching for gaps to generate goal-scoring chances. Meanwhile, Chiefs adopted a deep defensive stance, primarily using long balls to launch attacks towards Glody Lilepo and Wandile Duba.
Bruce Bvuma made a vital save in the 21st minute, denying Rayners, who was played through by Lucas Ribeiro. The game then settled into a midfield battle, with a lack of clear scoring opportunities.
Gaston Sirino nearly caught Ronwen Williams, who was off his line, but the goalkeeper’s swift reaction prevented a goal. Before half-time, Sundowns were forced to replace the injured Divine Lunga with Asekho Tiwani.
MOKOENA BROKE THE DEADLOCK BEFORE HALF-TIME
The deadlock was broken when Mokoena converted a free-kick for Sundowns, awarded after Dillan Solomons brought down Marcelo Allende on the edge of the box.
In the second-half, Sundowns made substitutions, introducing Sales and Adams, while taking off Rayners and Aubaas.
Chiefs levelled the matters in the 57th minute when Duba exploited Lucas Suarez’s schoolboy error at the back.
To inject more creativity into the team’s offensive game, Nasreddine Nabi brought on Lilepo for Mduduzi Shabalala. He later introduced George Matlou and Sibongiseni Mthethwa for Sirino and Thabo Cele, stabilising the midfield.
Ashley Du Preez, off the bench, scored an 87th-minute tap-in from a Shabalala cross, sending the Soweto giants to the final.
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