Kaizer Chiefs cruise into the Nedbank Cup last 16
Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs overcame their lower division teams ‘curse’ in the Nedbank Cup, after defeating SAFA ABC Motsepe League side Free Agents 4-0 at the FNB Stadium on Sunday evening.
Chiefs made six changes to their lineup from the team that won against Sekhukhune United in their previous encounter. Mfundo Vilakazi, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Yusuf Maart, Happy Mashiane, and Reeve Frosler were all brought into the starting eleven.
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The upright woodwork stood between Ngcobo and the opening goal of the match, as his shot ricocheted back out of play. Despite this, Mashiane continued to shine in the first half, attacking with purpose. He created several dangerous moments, winning corner kicks and earning offside calls for Amakhosi.
Bruce Bvuma sent a long ball forward that proved to be a perfect assist for Mmodi, who was in the right place at the right time to give Amakhosi the lead. Just eight minutes later, Mmodi completed his brace, doubling the lead after receiving a perfectly placed square pass from Wandile Duba.
However, on the stroke of halftime, Duba suffered an injury and had to be stretchered off the field for medical attention. As a result, he was substituted, and Yanga Chivaviro came on to take his place. Amakhosi went into the break with a 2-0 advantage, much to the delight of their fans, who could already sense that this could be the key to advancing to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup and build up to the upcoming Soweto Derby clash.
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The second half saw the Glamour Boys dominate proceedings even more with their pressure paying off when Inacio Miguel scored a powerful header, making it 3-0.
Things took a turn for Free Agents when Saheed Adebayo was shown a red card after protesting Amakhosi’s third goal. Down to ten men, they struggled to recover, and Chivaviro sealed the victory for the Glamour Boys by scoring their fourth and final goal of the match, thanks to a well-timed assist from Happy Mashiane.
Confirmed XI
Kaizer Chiefs FC
Bvuma, Frosler, Ditlhokwe, Miguel, Mashiane, Maart ©, Ngcobo, Matlou, Vilakazi, Mmodi, Duba
Free Agents FC
Igidimba, Mokate, Moloi, Sithole, Dhladhla, Sello, Adebayo, Motlhoiwa, Mosweu, Hlabitwa, Ndlovu.