Sunday | September 3, 2023

Kaizer Chiefs Football Club came close to defeating the indomitable Mamelodi Sundowns FC in the 1st-leg of the MTN8 Cup semi-final in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.

The South African giants tussled for a cup berth in the final in their 1st-leg of the double-legged MTN8 semi-final, the first tournament of the season in the Premier Soccer League.

This epic clash produced a 1-1 at the colossal FNB Stadium. Backed by the home fans, Amakhosi fired the first salvo through an Edson Castillo diving header (61′) after an indifferent showing in the first half of the 90-minute cup encounter.

When goals seemed to elude Sundowns despite dictating terms regarding ball possession, they found the back of the net in the 93rd minute, courtesy to Khuliso Mudau’s thumping header.

Sundowns managed to pull a draw without their talisman captain Themba Zwane who was forced out due to head injury in the first half of the game.

Chiefs are going into the second round of the MTN8 Cup semi-final with confidence that at least they are scoring against a tough opponent as the Brazilians.

Yet, Sundowns are in a pound seat if an away goal is any advantage. But yesterday’s outcome is not conclusive by any stretch of the imagination. It can go either way; hence their final meeting at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Sept. 23 will be a mouthwatering affair.

Stellenbosch host Pirates in Cape today

The second fixture of the MTN8 Cup semi-final sees Stellenbosch FC welcome Orlando Pirates FC at Athlone Stadium on Sunday at 15h00.