Kaizer Chiefs missed a chance of claiming a double this season after being dumped out of the Nedbank Cup last 16, at Highlands, losing 5-4 on penalties with the match ending 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.
Ernst Middendorp’s Chiefs are
currently leading the league table with 10 games to go and were hoping to
continue challenging on two fronts with two trophies in the offing but now will
have to shift focus on the league.
Middendorp decided to make five changes to the team that played the last
game against Maritzburg United. Skipper Itumeleng Khune replaced Daniel Akpeyi,
Yagan Sasman came in on for Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, Kgotso Moleko in for Reeve
Frosler, Kenyan Anthony Akumu Agay replaced George Maluleka and Bernard Parker also
took Leonardo Castro’s spot in the starting line-up.
The slippery conditions after a
heavy downpour in the second half seemed to affect both teams rhythm but it was
the team from Tembisa who took the spoils.
The Lions of the North were looking
to get on the front foot from the onset with Peter Shalulile winning a free
kick in a dangerous position after a rush challenge from Kenyan International
midfielder Anthony Agay. However, the set piece was wasted.
Highlands Park were on a high, Shalulile
tasted Kune’s agility in goal with a one on one chance that was blocked by the
veteran keeper.
Chiefs were finding it hard to keep
up with their opponents as they resorted to long balls I search of goals.
Highlands draw first blood in the 57th
minute with the Namibian Peter Shalulile slotting past Kune after a well
delivered free kick by Luckyboy Mokoena found him in the box.
George Maluleka the substitute made
an immediate impact coming on to replace Anthony Akumu. Maluleka put in a great
delivery forcing an own goal from Sello Motsepe who headed the ball into his
own net.
Both sides settled for a draw after
120 minutes given the wet conditions with the dreaded penalty shootout looming.
Khama Billiat and George Maluleka
missed their spot kicks, which eventually gave an opportunity for Musa Nyamata
to win it by converting his spot. He made no mistake sending the Lions of the
North into the last eight.
