Kaizer Chiefs secured what is perhaps their biggest win of the season when they beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final to make it to the final.
Chiefs came from a goal down to score two second-half goals for a 2-1 win, which sees them in a first cup final since 2019, while they denied Sundowns a place in a second straight Nedbank Cup final.
Nasreddine Nabi’s side made life difficult for Sundowns, who could not break them in open play and scored through Teboho Mokoena’s freekick, while their high press won them the game as Wandile Duba robbed Lucas Suarez off the ball to equalise before a great exchange of passes saw Ashley Du Preez net a late winner.
The game offered some lessons from the two teams who have had contrasting fortunes this season.
Sundowns pay the price for tight schedule
Sundowns have not had a free week since the year started and the many miles clocked were evident from their display, especially in the second half.
While they started the first half well at Loftus Versfeld, Miguel Cardoso’s team ran out of steam in the second stanza and that is when Chiefs got the win.
Sundowns struggled when Chiefs pressed them high, making mistakes that Amakhosi capitalised on, with their trip to Tunisia for their CAF Champions League on Tuesday having taken its toll.
Kaizer Chiefs have some life
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs showed that they can also play good football and take on the big boys.
Coming into the match, Chiefs had not won in four matches against Cape Town City, Richards Bay, Golden Arrows and TS Galaxy and few gave them a chance of beating Sundowns.
However, they rose to the occasion, weathering the storm in the first half, before they went for the kill in the second, showing a great fighting spirit that had not been seen during that poor run and for most of the campaign.
Chiefs fans will hope to see the same in the final as they look to end their 10-year wait for a trophy.
Lucas Ribeiro can be kept quiet
The game also showcased how Sundowns playmaker Lucas Ribeiro can be contained as he had minimal impact on the game.
A player who has caused a lot of damage and even scored twice and set up an assist in their three meetings with Chiefs this season, Ribeiro was well-watched and was not able to trouble the Amakhosi defence.
It was perhaps a lesson to other PSL teams on the best way to handle the Brazilian in the remaining matches of the season.
Is Mokoena Sundowns’ most important player?
While Lucas Ribeiro was being kept quiet, Teboho Mokoena continued to thrive for Sundowns as he does not show any signs of slowing down.
Besides his goal, the midfielder still put in a great display and was among Sundowns players who came out of the game with lots of credit.
Cardoso will hope that he maintains his form until the end of the season with the PSL and CAF Champions League to contest.
Chiefs are down but not out
Kaizer Chiefs might be enduring another poor season but they have a chance to end the season with a flourish.
The Glamour Boys have been stuck in eighth position in the league for two months with a lack of consistency seeing many question whether coach Nabi is the right man to take them forward.
However, Nabi could end up having the last laugh as a place in the Nedbank Cup final gives Chiefs a chance to win it and end a 10-year trophy drought and most importantly, secure continental football without necessarily finishing in the top four.
