Kaizer Chefs coach Nasreddine Nabi praised the mental fortitude of his players after they fought back from a halftime deficit to upset Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday and set up a derby in next month’s Nedbank Cup final.
A second half equaliser from Wandile Duba and a controversial late winner for his replacement Ashley du Preez saw Chiefs win 2-1 away at Loftus Versfeld inn their semifinal tie and advance to meet Orlando Pirates in the May 10 final in Durban.
It kept Chiefs on course for their first trophy in 10 seasons and almost certainly ensured them a spot in next season’s African Confederation Cup.
“We said before that it would be like a card game, very tactical,” Nabi said.
“In the first half we were playing 5-3-2 and we know they always try to pass between the lines. For that, we tried to block them. And I think in the first half, they didn't create a single chance.
“But for us, the problem in the first half was that when we recovered the ball, we immediately lost it. We couldn’t keep the ball. It was tough for us to run, to recover the ball, and then have to restart the plan of the game.”
A clumsy foul by fullback Dillon Solomons gave away a freekick on the stroke of halftime that Tebeho Mokoena struck into the net off the underside of the crossbar for Sundowns to take the lead.
“You know, when you concede a goal in the last minute from a free kick, it's very difficult. Mentally, it's very difficult. But I have to say, congratulations to all our players because they proved that mentally, they were very strong,” added the coach.
“For the second half, we discussed with the players that we tried to correct some mistakes when we recovered the ball. And to be honest with you, I was so sure that our players were 100 per cent ready to react in the second half.”
Duba picked off a mistake from Sundowns defender Lucas Suarez to equalise in the 59th minute. “That gave us more confidence and then I think the game was 50-50 between us and them.
“And then last minute, we scored the second goal. And I have to say congratulations to the fans, for the board, for all the players. They deserve today,” Nabi added.