Musona late winner advances Kaizer Chiefs
By Tony Mashati
JOHANNESBURG – An 88th minute strike by Zimbabwean forward Knowledge Musona saw Kaizer Chiefs advance to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup, when they beat a game SuperSport United 2-1 at the Rand Stadium yesterday afternoon.
The second half had to be delayed for 15 minutes, because of the inclement weather, but once it got underway it was end to end stuff with United dominating proceedings.
However, Chiefs started the match where they left off in the Telkom Knockout, but failed to make use of their opportunities.
Despite dominating, clear-cut chances were in short supply for Chiefs as the tigerish United midfield were trying to close the spaces.
Even if Amakhosi’s players found their target, United’s big Ugandan goalkeeper Dennis Onyango was in an uncompromising mood between the poles.
Chiefs totally dominated possession at this stage of the match but couldn’t create any clear-cut chances as United’s depleted defence held firm.
United were without Bongani Khumalo who is on national duty, the injured Morgan Gould, Ricardo Katza and David Kannemeyer and any team would struggle to cope without its first choice defence.
Chiefs best chance of the first half came in the 15th minute when some good work by Nale on the left found Musona in acres of space outside the penalty box, but his well struck shot was pushed away for a corner by the impressive Onyango.
But the players who came in for the absentees did well to hold Chiefs goalless until the break.
But with Chiefs failing to take their opportunities, United took the lead three minutes before the break against the run of play, when confusion in the Chiefs danger area saw midfielder Letladi Madubanyana scramble the ball past goalkeeper Arthur Bartman.
The second half started with United dominating in the midfield and seemed intent on taking the game to the Amakhosi.
But, despite both teams wanting to take the initiative, they found it difficult due to the slippery surface as players failed to control the ball.
Onyango kept on making decisive saves for his team and it seemed as if it would be one of those days, when Chiefs fail to capitalise on their chances, but the brilliance of Mandla Masango brought Chiefs back into the game.
The nippy Masango beat two players on the right wing and crossed a delightful ball onto the path of midfielder Mthokozisi Yende and his brilliant strike in the 64th minute gave the impressive Onyango no chance.
n A brace from midfielder Matthew Pattison and strike by Felix Katongo was enough to see Mamelodi Sundowns advance to the next round at the expense of Island FC at Ulundi Stadium.
Lindani Zungu scored the home side’s consolation goal.
n Sameehg Doutie and Stanton Lewis scored two goals apiece and Dipsy Selolwane also got on the score-sheet as Ajax Cape Town easily took care of second division side Wings United 5-0 at the Boland Rugby Stadium.
n In other matches FC Cape Town beat Ikapa Sporting 2-1, Winners Park beat Mr Price Parkhurst 3-1 and Black Aces beat FC Royals 5-3 on penalties after the match finished 2-2. http://www.citizen.co.za
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