Shabalala Misses Penalty But Chiefs Find A Way Past Siwelele

Kaizer Chiefs secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Siwelele FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon to book their place in the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup. The result was particularly important for Amakhosi, who were looking to respond after their recent defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby.

The victory also means Chiefs have reached the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 2024. With their hopes of winning silverware still alive, the result will give the team confidence as they prepare for the next stage of the tournament.

Chiefs made two changes to the starting line-up that faced Pirates in their previous match. Dillan Solomons and Rushine Dortley were brought into the defence, replacing the suspended Inacio Miguel and Reeve Frosler. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo also returned to the squad but started on the bench.

Amakhosi showed their attacking intentions from the opening minutes, with Pule Mmodi creating an opportunity in the second minute. However, Siwelele goalkeeper Jody February was in the right position to deny him and keep the score level.

Siwelele gradually grew into the game and began causing problems for the Chiefs defence. Vincent Pule was particularly influential going forward, using his pace and movement to create attacking opportunities for the home side.

In the 10th minute, Vincent Pule tested Brandon Petersen with an attempt on goal. The Chiefs goalkeeper managed to block the effort with his feet, but the resulting corner eventually led to the opening goal.

Manelis Jeza delivered the ball into the penalty area, and although Chiefs initially appeared to have cleared the danger, Siyabonga Ndebele reacted quickly to the rebound. He found the back of the net in the 11th minute to give Siwelele a 1-0 advantage.

The early goal forced Chiefs to increase their efforts as they searched for an equaliser. Lebohang Maboe had an opportunity from a set-piece in the 17th minute, but his attempt failed to find the target.

Chiefs were presented with a good opportunity to level the score in the 36th minute when Maboe was fouled inside the penalty area. The referee awarded a penalty, giving Amakhosi a chance to get back into the contest.

However, Mduduzi Shabalala could not take advantage of the opportunity as his penalty went wide of the target. It was a missed opportunity for Chiefs, who had worked hard to get themselves into a promising position.

Despite the setback, Amakhosi continued pushing forward and eventually found their equaliser during first-half stoppage time. Mfundo Vilakazi was fouled inside the penalty area, resulting in another penalty for the visitors.

This time, Wandile Duba stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to make it 1-1. His goal was important because it allowed Chiefs to go into the half-time break level after falling behind early in the match.

The second half continued with Chiefs looking for a goal that would put them in front. Solomons had an opportunity shortly after the restart, but his attempt went wide. The defender later tried his luck again from a free-kick just after the hour mark, although he was unable to find the target.

Mmodi also attempted to score from outside the penalty area, but his effort missed the target.

As the match entered its final stages, both teams were aware that another goal could decide their Carling Knockout Cup campaign. Chiefs continued searching for a breakthrough, and their persistence eventually paid off.

Asanele Velebayi produced the decisive moment in the final 10 minutes, finding the back of the net from a tight angle to give Amakhosi a 2-1 lead.

The late goal proved enough to secure the victory, as Siwelele were unable to find another equaliser before the final whistle.

For Chiefs, the result represents an important response to their Soweto Derby disappointment. They have also taken another step towards their ambition of winning the Carling Knockout Cup, with a place in the semi-finals now secured.

Thaboalpheus21 feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com