Kaizer Chiefs claimed a stunning come-from-behind 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semifinal played at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday evening.
As a result of their triumph, the Amakhosi will face Soweto derby rivals Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final on 10 May.
It's a Soweto Derby for the 2025 #NedbankCup final ✌️🆚☠️#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/JPdGbyQUxa
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025
Sundowns created early chances for Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners, with the former seeing a deflected shot flash just off target, while the latter latched onto a pass from Marcelo Allende and put an effort over the crossbar.
Midway through the first half, Rayners looked set to put Sundowns into the lead when he got on the end of Lucas Ribeiro’s set-up, but Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma made an excellent save to keep the score line blank.
The Soweto side came into the game more after the half-hour mark, with Gaston Sirino drawing a good save from Ronwen Williams with a long-range effort on 34 minutes, while Makabi Lilepo headed wide a short while later.
Sundowns also suffered an injury blow late in the first half when Divine Lunga was stretchered off, with Asehko Tiwani replacing him.
The first half looked set to end goalless, but five minutes into injury time the Brazilians claimed the lead via a brilliant strike direct from a free kick by Mokoena, whose powerful effort went in via the underside of the crossbar and gave Bvuma no chance.
It's a 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓 from Teboho Mokoena 🚀🚀
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025
📺 Stream #NedbankCup on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/dB93jGi6Ki
Chiefs fought back in the second half and claimed an equaliser in the 57th minute via Wandile Duba, who intercepted a poor pass from centre-back Lucas Suarez and was able to race into the box before sending a shot home for 1-1.
Sundowns regained control of the game in terms of possession and territory, but they were unable to reclaim their ascendancy on the scoreboard.
And Chiefs then scored a second goal late in the game to secure a famous victory, as George Matlou crossed from the right to pick out fellow substitute Ashley Du Preez, who finished clinically on a tricky half-volley from close range to make it 2-1.
The scenes at Loftus Versfeld 🤩
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 13, 2025
Chiefs are just one win away from ending their trophy drought 👀🏆#SSDiski | #NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/7wBLS9wF8C
Sundowns will next be in action in the CAF Champions League when they host Al Ahly for the first leg of their semifinal clash next weekend, while Chiefs will be away to Chippa United in the Betway Premiership next Saturday.
Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 1 (Mokoena 45+5’)
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 2 (Duba 57’, Du Preez 89’)
Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Suarez (Matthews 90+2’), Lunga (Tiwani 43’), Mokoena, Aubaas (Adams 46’), Allende, Ribeiro, Shalulile, Rayners (Sales 46’)
Chiefs: Bvuma, Solomons, Msimango, Dove, Cross, Cele (Mthethwa 73’), Maart, Lilepo (Shabalala 63’), Sirino (Matlou 73’), Mmodi, Duba (Du Preez 80’)