Kaizer Chiefs beat Siwelele to reach Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals

Kaizer Chiefs came from behind to defeat Siwelele 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday and book their place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals.

Siyabonga Ndebele gave the visitors an early lead, heading home from Manelisi Mazibuko’s corner after 19 minutes. Wandile Duba equalised from the penalty spot just before half-time, before substitute Asanele Velebayi scored the winner late in the second half.

Chiefs made the brighter start, with Mduduzi Shabalala testing Jody February at his near post after combining with a give-and-go from the first corner of the match.

Siwelele responded when Sphesihle Jeza’s effort from the edge of the area forced an instinctive save from Brandon Petersen. The chance came after Chiefs failed to clear a fifth-minute corner.

Vincent Pule then created an opportunity for the hosts with a run down the left and a low cross that Petersen turned behind. Siwelele made the resulting set-piece count, as Mazibuko’s deep corner allowed Ndebele to rise above Sibongiseni Mthethwa and head the ball across goal and into the net.

Chiefs nearly levelled when Vilakazi sent a 19th-minute free-kick on to the roof of the goal. Duba was also caught offside while attempting to run on to a pass from Dillon Solomons, as Amakhosi continued to reach the Siwelele penalty area without seriously testing February.

The home side were awarded a penalty in the 37th minute after Vilakazi went down under a challenge from Pule, but Shabalala curled his effort wide of the right post.

Shabalala then lost control when he broke through on goal, allowing February to gather, while Jeza fired wide in first-half stoppage time. Chiefs were given another chance to equalise when Shabalala won a penalty after going down under a challenge from Ndebele.

Duba took responsibility and made no mistake, sending his spot-kick down the middle of the goal.

Solomons almost put Chiefs ahead early in the second half after running through several Siwelele players before shooting just beyond February’s left post. Vilakazi later struck a set-piece into the wall, while Pule Mmodi cut inside from the left and sent a shot into the side-netting.

Solomons was also narrowly off target with a 62nd-minute free-kick aimed at the far corner. Siwelele appealed for a penalty when Mazibuko went down after a shoulder challenge from Mthethwa, but the referee waved play on.

Chiefs introduced Fabio Sa Silva and Velebayi for Shabalala and Duba in the 74th minute, before Thulani Mabaso replaced Lebohang Moboe with 10 minutes remaining.

The changes proved decisive. After a poor Siwelele pass out of defence, Da Silva collected possession and supplied Velebayi, who finished through February’s legs.

Siwelele could not find an equaliser as Chiefs held on. Kaizer Chiefs will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals, while Stellenbosch will play Orlando Pirates after beating AmaZulu 2-1 on Sunday.