By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Kaizer Chiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs came from behind to beat Siwelele FC 2-1 at the Peter Mokaba stadium on Sunday and progressed to the next stage of the Carling Knockout Cup.
Chiefs join Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals.
Siwelele grabbed an early lead through Siyabonga Ndebele, when he rose highest from a corner kick to plant a superb header into the net to make it 1-0.
Chiefs were awarded a penalty in the 36th minute when Mfundo Vilakazi drew a clumsy foul from Vincent Pule.
Mduduzi Shabalala took the spot kick but sent his effort over the target.
Another penalty went the way of the Chiefs in injury time before the break, with Siyabonga Ndebele’s late challenge upending Shabalala.
This time Wandile Duba took the spot kick and sent a shot past goalkeeper Jody February to see the game locked at 1-1 heading into the interval.
The start of the second half saw a double change for Siwelele, as they introduced Christian Saile and Njabulo Ngcobo from the bench.
Chiefs scored a decisive goal in the 84th minute, with substitute Asanele Velebayi sending a low shot beyond February to put the hosts 2-1 up and on course for the semifinals.
Sundowns became the first team to lock in a semi-final spot with a hard-fought 1-0 win Golden Arrows midweek, Stellies secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over AmaZulu FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday evening.
Pirates booked their ticket into the tournament’s final four owing to a slender 1-0 win against Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The quarter-final action concluded on Sunday night with the remaining two fixtures.
Carling Knockout Cup Semi-Finals Draw
- Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs
- Stellenbosch FC v Orlando Pirates
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is expected to confirm the venues, dates, and kick-off times for the semi-finals in due course.