Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs have been knocked out of the MTN 8 after going down 1-0 to Cape Town City on Friday night.
Chiefs enjoyed more of the play on the night, but lacked a cutting edge in attack, while the Cape side frequently caused problems with their pace and incisive play on the counter-attack.
And Matt Sim's ealry strike ultimately proved the difference on the night as Eric Tinkler's men held firm in the second half to book their place in the MTN8 semi-finals.
It took just five minutes for the opening goal to arrive, the home team scoring from a blistering counter attack following a Chiefs corner.
The goal was scored by Sim, the Australian receiving the ball in the box and having time to steady himself before curling the ball over the advancing Itumeleng Khune and in at the far post.
Looking for a response, Chiefs upped the ante, but failed to really threaten the home goal, bar a header from Lewis Macha which was well covered by Shu-aib Walters, the keeper also showing good positioning to gather a chested back-pass by Aubrey Modiba which could well have ended as an own goal.
Eric Tinkler’s side however continued to look dangerous on the break, Khune having to move smartly off his line to deny Lebogang Manyama seven minutes before the break, while only a last-gasp challenge from Lorenzo Gordinho prevented Lehlohonolo Majoro from sliding in a goal at the far post seconds before half time.
City started the second half brightly as well, and there were chances for Roland Putsche and Bongolwethu Jayiya, who both drew saves from Khune with shots from outside the box.
Macha then squandered a great chance to level the game when he volleyed wide at the back post on the hour mark although City could have doubled their lead when Aubrey Ngoma teed up Putsche, but he skewed his shot wide.
For the most part though it was the visitors who dominated second half territory and possession, but they were limited to long range efforts, William Twala and Lucky Baloyi unable to find the target with their shots.
Man of the Match Walters found himself under severe pressure in the closing minutes of the game, but the veteran goalkeeper made several good saves, including one from Edward Manqele, while Twala’s 86th minute effort shaved the upright.
In the end the Cape side were able to do enough to hold on for more than five added minutes, the newly-formed club becoming the first team to book their spot in the 2016 MTN8 semi-finals.
