In a commanding performance, Kaizer Chiefs swept past Chippa United with a 3-0 win at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening to reach the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals.
Gaston Sirino, Inacio Miguel, and Pule Mmodi were on the scoresheet as propelling the side to a win that sees them join SuperSport United, Stellenbosch FC, Durban City, Orlando Pirates, and Marumo Gallants in the next round.
This victory is Chiefs' fourth in six games across all competitions, underlining their recent improvement under coach Nasreddine Nabi as they strive to end a decade-long trophy drought with Nedbank Cup success.
Chiefs started brightly, with Makabi Lilepo narrowly missing an early chance before Gaston Sirino opened the scoring in the 13th minute. A flowing move saw Reeve Frosler drill a low cross from the right, and Sirino powerfully struck the ball into the top corner for 1-0.
CHIEFS’ DOMINANCE FOR IN FIRST HALF
For the next quarter of an hour, a confident Chiefs side dominated, exhibiting some stylish football, but they couldn't capitalize on their control to increase their advantage.
As halftime approached, Chippa United grew into the match, even outplaying Chiefs towards the end of the first half.
They pressured the hosts' defense with set pieces and a particularly dangerous volley from Giovanni Philander, which Bruce Bvuma expertly saved just before the whistle.
Despite bringing on Andile Jali at the start of the second half, Chippa couldn't replicate their earlier attacking pressure. Chiefs regained control and earned a penalty when Stanley Nwabali spilled the ball and then fouled both Pule Mmodi and Mduduzi Shabalala. Inacio Miguel calmly converted the penalty, making it 2-0.
Chiefs sealed the victory late on when Pule Mmodi tapped in the rebound after Nwabali parried a low shot from Ranga Chivavairo.
Looking ahead, Chiefs host SuperSport United and Chippa visit Cape Town City in Betway Premiership action on Tuesday, February 18th.
