Velebayi Sends Chiefs Into Semis
Asanele Velebayi’s second-half winner propelled Kaizer Chiefs into the Carling Knockout semi finals, where they will face Mamelodi Sundowns, after Amakhosi hammered Siwelele FC by 2-1 at the New Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane, on Sunday afternoon.
Siwelele took an early lead through Siyabonga Ndebele, but Chiefs fought back with goals from Wandile Duba and Velebayi to secure their place in the last four of the competition.
Today’s action marked the second meeting the two sides square off, with Chiefs emerging victorious in both matches. The second encounter started with both teams displaying impressive early efforts to break the deadlock.
In the 6th minute, Siwelele had a great chance to find the opener when winger, Sphesihle Jeza, latched onto a loose ball in the box, and shooting on target to force Chiefs shot-stopper Brandon Peterson to produce an outstanding save.
Five minutes later, the Green and White army took the lead through a corner kick delivery that found Siyabonga Ndebele’s thumping header, to put Siwelele in the forefront.
Although dominating large scores of ball rotation, Chiefs were unable to crack the Siwelele defence until the 36th minute, when Mfundo Vilakazi drew a clumsy foul from Vincent Pule. However, Mduduzi Shabalala failed to capitalise, sending his effort over the crossbar.
The second charm went to Amakhosi in half-time stoppage time, with Ndebele’s late challenge fouling Shabalala resulted into a penalty. This time it was Duba who stepped forward, and sent Siwelele’s goalkeeper Jody February the other way, to pause the match at a tie, heading into the interval.
The resume from the second half saw Siwelele making a double substitution, introducing Christian Saile and Njabulo Ngcobo. Then on the 55th minute, Shadrack Kobedi folllowed.
In search to find the lead goal, Chiefs relentlessly pressured Siwelele into their own half, showing that the gold and black troops have more impetus and energy.
It was late in the 84th minute, when the substitute Asanele Velebayi sent a low shot, that went beyond February, to put the hosts 2-1 upper, and en route for the semi-finals.
Siwelele almost found the equaliser in the final minutes of added time, when Zakhele Lepasa effort
Siwelele almost found an equaliser in the final minute of regulation time, with Zakhele Lepasa squeezing off an effort drifted past the post, after a defensive error from Thabo Moloisane.
The teams will return to action after the international break with Betway Premiership fixtures, as Chiefs face Chippa United away, and Siwelele travel to Sekhukhune United.
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