Kaizer Chiefs crashed out of the MTN8 at the semi-final stage after only managing a goalless draw against AmaZulu, who advance to the final on the away goals rule.
MTN8
Result: AmaZulu 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs (1-1 on aggregate)
Date: 23 October 2022
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Chiefs made three changes to the side that drew with TS Galaxy, as they were bolstered by the return of Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, alongside a recall for Kgaogelo Sekgota.
Amakhosi were on the front foot early on but they had a scare on 15 minutes after a mistake at the back led to Usuthu going through on goal but Sphesihle Maduna fired his shot agonisingly wide after he was setup by Gabadinho Mhango.
AmaZulu gained momentum and George Maluleka had a chance to break the deadlock on 24 minutes against his former side with a threatening strike from the edge of the box that was smothered by Petersen.
Arthur Zwane's charges regained their rhythm going forward, as they put the home side under pressure but they not clicking in the final third, with the front trio of Bimenyimana, Sekgota and Ashley Du Preez.
Romain Folz's troops were a threat on transitions and had good opportunity towards the end of the first stanza after Augustine Kwem went through on goal but Sifiso Hlanti made a crucial intervention to snuff out danger.
The Glamour Boys were dealt an injury blow ten minutes after the interval as Bimenyimana needed medical attention on the pitch and he was eventually replaced by Khama Billiat.
With Amakhosi having the momentum, Billiat nearly created a big chance for the visitors 20 minutes before time after his cushioned pass in the box setup Du Preez but Abbubaker Mobara made a timely interception in front of goal.
Zwane's men remained on the front foot in the closing stages as Keagan Dolly came close with a cracking strike that dragged just wide before Billiat fired a low shot wide with a good space in the box.
With time running out, Billiat almost got the winner in the tail end with a looping header that sailed over the crossbar as AmaZulu held on to progress to the final on away goals after a 1-1 draw on aggregate and they will play Orlando Pirates in the final.
Here's how they lined up:
AmaZulu: 34. Mothwa, 5. Sikhakhane, 14. Hanamub, 23. Mphahlele, 2. Mobara, 8. Makhaula, 34. Maduna, 50. Bwalya, 12. Maluleka, 7. Mhango, 9. Kwem.
Subs: 36. Anonome, 42. Mabiliso, 24. Zulu, 17. Gumede, 45. Buchanan, 16. Brooks, 36. Kunene, 3. Ndlovu, 20. Majoro.
Kaizer Chiefs: 1. Petersen, 39. Frosler, 2. Dove, 4. Kwinika, 23. Hlanti, 45. Blom, 8. Maart, 14. Sekgota, 10. Dolly, 9. Du Preez, 28. Bimenyimana.
Sub: 44. Bvuma, 4. Mathoho, 11. Billiat, 17. Ngezana, 30. Sithebe, 23. Ngcobo, 33. Matlou, 18. Solomons.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
