by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
Two first half goals from Peter Shalulile booked Mamelodi Sundowns a spot in the final of the MTN8, Sundowns defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in their second leg clash of the MTN8 semifinal. The much anticipated match was played at a packed Lucas Moripe Stadium in the City of Tshwane.
Sundowns defeated Chiefs 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate) and they now await the winner in tomorrow’s match between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC for next month’s MTN8 final.
The hosts’ first goal of the match came a few second after the first half kickoff via Shalulile, who netted his second goal of the game in the dying minutes of the first stanza.
Chiefs however had found the back of the net after Ashley Du Preez’s converted a penalty awarded in the first half.
On 32 minutes the Amakhosi were awarded a penalty when Sipho Mbule’s awkward attempt to head a corner kick clear resulted in a hand-ball. Du Preez took on the spot kick and beat Ronwen Williams for 1-1 on the day and 2-2 overall.
Chiefs kept up their search for an equaliser and were controversially denied a penalty in injury time at the end of the game when Mduduzi Mdantsane appeared to be felled in the box by Maseko, but the referee ignored pleas for a second spot kick. Television replays suggested the Amakhosi had a strong case.
Sundowns will face either Orlando Pirates or Stellenbosch FC (who meet in the second leg of their semi on Sunday 24 September) in the final, set for Saturday 7 October.
Teams’ starting eleven
SUNDOWNS: Williams, Kekana, Coetzee, Lebusa, Boutouil (B. Onyango 84’), Mbule (Maseko 54’), Mokoena, Allende, Zwane (Nku 68’ [Mashego 84’]), Shalulile, Ribeiro (Zungu 68’)
CHIEFS: Petersen, Frosler, Msimango, Ditlhokwe, Hlanti (Edmilson 46’), Maart, Matlou (Mdantsane 81’), Castillo (Shabalala 81’), Mmodi (Saile 58’), Potsane (Gonzalez 58’), Du Preez