By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs secured a stunning come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versveld stadium on Sunday evening.
Sundowns looked set to continue their dominance over Chiefs when Teboho Mokoena put them ahead in injury time before the break, but Wandile Duba capitalised on a defensive mistake to level the game in the second half, and substitute Ashley Du Preez struck late on to complete the turnaround.
Sundowns created early chances for Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners, with the former seeing a deflected shot flash just off target, while the latter latched onto a pass from Marcelo Allende and put an effort over the crossbar.
Midway through the first half, Rayners looked set to put Sundowns into the lead when he got on the end of Lucas Ribeiro’s set-up, but Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma made an excellent save to keep the score line blank.
The Soweto side came into the game more after the half-hour mark, with Gaston Sirino drawing a good save from Ronwen Williams with a long-range effort on 34 minutes, while Makabi Lilepo headed wide a short while later.
Sundowns also suffered an injury blow late in the first half when Divine Lunga was stretchered off, with Asehko Tiwani replacing him.
The first half looked set to end goalless, but five minutes into injury time the Brazilians claimed the lead via a brilliant strike direct from a free kick by Mokoena, whose powerful effort went in via the underside of the crossbar and gave Bvuma no chance.
Chiefs fought back in the second half and claimed an equaliser in the 57th minute via Duba, who intercepted a poor pass from centre-back Lucas Suarez and was able to race into the box before sending a shot home for 1-1.
Sundowns regained control of the game in terms of possession and territory, but they were unable to reclaim their ascendancy on the score board.
And Chiefs then scored a second goal late in the game to secure a famous victory, as George Matlou crossed from the right to pick out fellow substitute Du Preez, who finished clinically on a tricky half-volley from close range to make it 2-1.
For the Amakhosi, the victory keeps alive their hope of ending a decade-long wait for a trophy.
Pirates and Chiefs are scheduled to meet in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday 10 May at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Sundowns will next be in action in the CAF Champions League when they host Al Ahly for the first leg of their semifinal clash next weekend, while Chiefs will be away to Chippa United in the Betway Premiership next Saturday.