Kaizer Chiefs' wait for silverware continues after being bundles out of the MTN8 by Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday afternoon.
MTN8
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 2 (3)- (2) 1 Kaizer Chiefs
Date: 23 September 2023
Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium
Sundowns recalled Mosa Lebusa and Grant Kekana in places of the suspended Khuliso Mudau and Mothobi Mvala as the only two changes from their win over Orlando Pirates. Chiefs, meanwhile, brought back goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, Reeve Frosler, Tebogo Potsane and Pule Mmodi as four changes from their loss against SuperSport United.
The Brazilians had a dream start after Shalulile gave them the lead in just ten seconds and made it 2-1 on aggregate after the Namibian dispossessed Petersen in a high press and scored into a gaping net from a tight angle.
Rulani Mokwena's charges had plenty of the ball after that but Chiefs should have equalised on 16 minutes after Ashley Du Preez raced clear on goal from a through ball but he fired his shot high and wide in a one-on-one with goal Ronwen Williams.
The Glamour Boys started pressurizing Sundowns and were awarded a penalty on the half-hour mark after a handball by Sipho Mbule from successive corners. Du Preez stepped up and equalised for Chiefs with a composed finish.
Shalulile restored the lead for for hosts on the stroke of halftime with a free header at the back post after a lofted cross by Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
Amakhosi could not get into their rhythm going forward from the break and just before the hour-mark Molefi Ntseki made a double attacking change as Christian Saile and Jasond Gonzalez replaced both Pule Mmodi and Tebogo Potsane.
The changes made immediate impact for Chiefs as Du Preez had a big chance to equalise after a deflected cut-back but his low shot was saved by Williams with his legs.
Chiefs gained confidence and with 20 minutes to go, Saile came close to levelling matters for the visitors with a half-volley volley in the box that missed narrowly wide.
The Brazilians reinforced their defence with Brian Onyango and Terrence Mashego in the dying minutes and frustrated Amakhosi with a deep block.
Chiefs had a penalty claim in stoppage time after Thapelo Maseko kicked Mduduzi Mdantsane from behind in the box but the referee waved play on, as Sundowns booked their spot in the final.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: 30. Williams, 20. Kekana, 5. Lebusa, 13. Boutouil, 40. Coetzee, 4. Mokoena, 24. Mbule, 11. Allende, 18. Zwane, 23. Ribeiro, 38. Shalulile.
Subs: 14. D. Onyango, 6. B. Onyango, 41. Mashego, 17. Modiba, 8. Zungu, 27. Morena, 33. Maseko, 15. Mendieta, 7. Nku.
Kaizer Chiefs: 1. Petersen, 39. Frosler, 23. Hlanti, 24. Ditlhokwe, 25. Msimango, 8. Maart, 17. Castillo, 22. Matlou, 11. Potsane, 13. Mmodi, 9. Du Preez.
Subs: 32. Khune, 27. Njabulo Ngcobo, 4. Kwinika, 2. Dove, 3. Mdantsane, 42. Shabalala, 36. Zwane, 21. Saile, 14. González.
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