Kaizer Chiefs reach Carling Knockout semi-finals after comeback win

Kaizer Chiefs came from behind to beat Siwelele FC 2-1 on Sunday evening and book their place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals.

Siyabonga Ndebele gave the visitors an early lead before Wandile Duba equalised from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time. Asanele Velebayi then completed the turnaround with six minutes of normal time remaining.

Ndebele opened the scoring on 11 minutes, rising above Mthethwa to meet a cross with a powerful header that goalkeeper Brandon Petersen could not reach.

Fernando da Cruz’s side gradually saw more of the ball, but their work in the final third lacked the quality required to seriously test the Sekhukhune defence. Chiefs struggled to make their possession count, with Siwelele dealing effectively with the deliveries into the penalty area.

The home side were handed an opportunity to draw level 10 minutes before half-time when they were awarded a penalty. Mduduzi Shabalala took responsibility but was unable to convert from 12 yards.

Chiefs were given another chance in first-half stoppage time after Ndebele brought down Shabalala inside the area. Duba took the second penalty and made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity.

Siwelele made two substitutions at the start of the second half in an attempt to regain control. Former Amakhosi players Christian Saile and Najbulo Ngcobo replaced Marou and Ndebele.

The visitors continued to enjoy possession after the interval as they looked to recover from a disappointing opening period. However, clear opportunities from open play remained difficult to create during the opening 45 minutes.

Chiefs waited until the 75th minute to make their first changes. Duba and Shabalala were replaced by Flavio da Silva and Velebayi, while Siwelele brought on striker Zakhele Lepasa for Sphesihle Jeza.

The alterations quickly proved decisive. Da Silva intercepted a loose pass and played the ball to Velebayi, who took one touch before calmly beating February to put Chiefs in front.

The goal was Velebayi’s first league goal of the campaign and secured a 2-1 victory for the hosts.

Rushwin Dortley and Dillan Solomons had returned to the Chiefs defence for the match, replacing the suspended Inacio Miguel and Reeve Frosler after the defeat by Orlando Pirates the previous weekend.

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo also made a rare appearance on the Chiefs bench.