JOHANNESBURG — Kaizer Chiefs booked their place in the 2013 Nedbank Cup final with a 2-1 win over United FC at the FNB stadium on Saturday evening. — Supersport
The Premier Soccer League leaders stayed on course to win the double this season thanks to first half goals from Lehlohonolo Majoro and George Lebese. United FC’s goal was scored by Walter Maponyane.
The minnows were keen on unsettling the Sowetan giants from the outset, but instead went behind early on. Chiefs took the lead as early as the fifth minute of the game.
Bernard Parker ran onto a clever dink over the top of the United FC defence by Siphiwe Tshabalala before sliding the ball into the path of Lehlohonolo Majoro, who made no mistake from six yards out.
George Lebese extended his side’s lead in the 24th minute of the encounter. The midfielder nodded in from close range after Majoro’s curling effort from the edge of the area cannoned off the crossbar and post before falling favourably for Lebese.
United FC had a great chance to pull a goal back eight minutes later. Itumeleng Khune did very well to tip the ball away from Thabo Makgothi’s feet before Willard Katsande cleared a Siyabulela Shai attempt off the line.
Amakhosi dominated the first half with the Kimberley-based side limited mostly to long range efforts. Kaizer Chiefs went into the break deserved leaders thanks to a goal apiece from Majoro and Lebese.
Majoro should’ve bagged his brace nine minutes after the break. Parker disposed Mpho Mvelase before laying it on a plate for his Bafana Bafana teammate, but he failed to capatilise with only the keeper to beat.
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The Vultures captain Walter Maponyane scored from the penalty spot in the 81st minute of the game after Tefu Mashamaite was adjudged to have pulled a United FC player’s shirt inside the area. Maponyane converted confidently from the spot to make for a nervy final few minutes.
Amakhosi held on in the end to book a final spot while the National First Divisions side’s good run in the cup came to an end.
Chiefs will face either Platinum Stars or SuperSport United in the final of South Africa’s version of the FA Cup. Dikwena and Matsatsantsa clash heads in Rustenburg on Wednesday.
