Phakaaathi rates Chiefs’ heroes in the win over Sundowns.
Kaizer Chiefs kept their season alive on Sunday as they stunned Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 at Loftus Stadium to reach the Nedbank Cup final.
It was a brilliant comeback from Chiefs, who trailed 1-0 at half time, but found a way to stay on track for a first official PSL trophy in ten years.
Here, Phakaaathi rates the performance of the Chiefs players.
Kaizer Chiefs
Bruce Bvuma – 8/10
Bvuma made some superb saves to keep Chiefs in the contest, before Teboho Mokoena’s free kick put Sundowns ahead on the stroke of half time.
Dillon Solomons 6
Solomons struggled at times and his reckless tackle on Marcelo Allende on the edge of the box gave Sundowns the chance to take the lead.
Edmilson Dove 7
Dove played well in the heart of the Chiefs defence, deputising superbly for the injured Rushwin Dortley and Inacio Miguel.
Given Msimango 8
Msimango had an excellent game and has revitalised his Chiefs career after initially looking out of favour under Nasreddine Nabi. Even played a part in Chiefs’ winner.
Bradley Cross 7
An efficient performance from Cross, who defended well and got forward when he could.
Yusuf Maart 9
Maart epitomised the belief at the heart of this Chiefs team against Sundowns. He didn’t stop fighting to the bitter end and one incredible headed clearance sticks in the memory.
Thabo Cele 8
Cele competed hard and well in the midfield against Sundowns’ international pairing. His tears at the end showed how much it meant.
Glody Lilepo 6
Lilepo wasn’t really able to get involved in this match and generally endured a frustrating evening at Loftus.
Gaston Sirino 5
Sirino seemed more keen in the theatre of the event than actually playing football. This was summed up when he pulled the shirt of Lucas Ribeiro and then fell theatrically to the floor as his opponent confronted him.
Pule Mmodi 6
Not involved enough in the game, like Lilepo. Has been a key player for Chiefs this season but needs to do more.
Wandile Duba 9
Duba started the Chiefs revival by intercepting Lucas Suarez’ poor pass and cooly beating Ronwen Williams. A menace throughout. Man of the Match.
Mduduzi Shabalala – 6
Came on for Lilepo in the 63rd minute. Wasn’t really that effective.
George Matlou – 7
Came on for Cele in the 73rd minute. Provided the cross from which Du Preez grabbed the winner.
Ashley Du Preez – 8
Came on for Duba in the 80th minute. Got in the right place to get the goal and finished well. Was he offside? No one at Chiefs will care.
