Kaizer Chiefs thumped 10-man SuperSport United 4-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening.
Goals from Gaston Sirino, Yusuf Maart, Ranga Chivaviro and Ashley Du Preez secured Amakhosi a place in the quarter-finals.
Despite their late growth in the match, Chiefs couldn’t find their rhythm early in the game as Matsatsantsa weren’t giving them much space to play the ball. The Swanky Boys a chance to open the scoring in the 22nd minute as Siphesihle Ndlovu couldn’t connect with Vincent Pule’s pass.
The Tshwane-based side continued to maintain control in the midfield, making it difficult for Kaizer Chiefs to build attacks.
In a rare forward movement for Chiefs, Wandile Duba came close to breaking the deadlock, hitting the crossbar after a cross from Reeve Frosler. As it slowly became an end-to-end stuff, SuperSport also came close to finding the net, with Tashreeq Morris’ header striking the post.
SIRINO’S OPENER IN THE FIRST HALF
Chiefs took the lead in the 32nd minute when Gaston Sirino’s low shot caught goalkeeper Ricardo Goss off guard. Ranga Chivaviro had a glorious chance to extend the lead in the final minute of the first half, but he narrowly missed the target.
The match reached the interval with the Glamour Boys leading 1-0.
Both teams emerged from the tunnel with renewed vigor in the second half, continuing the momentum they had established prior to the interval.
In the 53rd minute, Nasreddine Nabi’s squad extended their lead as captain Yusuf Maart scored with a header from a corner kick.
As Gavin Hunt relentlessly pressed Chiefs in search of a leveller, Ntwari made several crucial saves, successfully thwarting Matsatsantsa from scoring.
Chivaviro secured the third goal for the Soweto giants in the 73rd minute, putting his name on the scoresheet having squandered a handful of opportunities throughout the game. Moments later, Gape Moralo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Ashley Du Preez added a fourth goal in the 95th minute with a sucker punch, capping off a dominant second half performance.
Chiefs became the sixth team to book the spot in the last eight, joining Stellenbosch FC, Magesi FC, Marumo Gallants, Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City.
CAPE TOWN CITY VS ROYAL AM RESULT
In the other fixture, Cape Town City secured a 3-0 victory over Royal AM at Athlone Stadium. The goals for the Citizens were netted by Amadou Soukouna, Jaedin Rhodes and Jody Ah Shene.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Sunday after the last match of the Round of 16 stage between Richards Bay FC and Sekhukhune United.
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