Posted in News on Oct 22, 2005.
22nd October
Olimpia Park, Rustenburg
Coca Cola Last Sixteen
The Amakhosi made a triumphant start to the defense of their Coca Cola Cup Crown as they over came a gritty Maritzburg Classic in Rustenburg.
Chiefs began the game unsure as to who would be in goal as net minder Emile Baron continued to be plagued by a stomach bug that has affected him over the past week.
Baron managed to overcome the discomfort and took up his position between the sticks, as he made a number of crucial saves that kept Chiefs on the path to victory.
Shoes Moshoeu had the first real chance of the game when a defensive lapse allowed him to get between the Classic defense and goalkeeper Harpur but he was unable to connect with the ball.
Classic than had a chance of their own but were denied by a back tracking Emile Baron who superbly tipped the ball over the cross bar to keep matters level on twenty minutes.
Chiefs grabbed the lead just after the half hour mark when Zimbabwean international Tinashe Nengomasha sent a looping ball from just past the half way line into the Classic penalty box.
Like a Phoenix from the ashes Shoes Moshoeu rose between two defenders to head over a helpless Harpur who could only watch on as Chiefs took the lead. Chiefs made the perfect start to the second half when Shoes Moshoeu flicked on a David Mathebula free kick and Fabian McCarthy lurking at the far post doubled Chiefs advantage.
Classic than staged a mini revival as they got a goal back when Madubanya headed home from a free kick, minutes later Classic had the opportunity to equalize but James Mothibi’s close range shot was superbly turned away by Emile Baron.
Scara Ngobese entered the frey with a quarter hour left and was a livewire in Chiefs midfield as he had to superb long range efforts saved by Harpur in the closing stages of the game.
With time almost up Thabo Mooki was given a run out by coach Ernst Middendorp on his 31st birthday, the veteran midfielder ensured that Chiefs held on to proceed to the quarterfinals.
Chiefs now go into Mondays draw with their confidence high as they for another tough week, as they meet Classic again on Wednesday evening in a PSL clash and end the week with the much awaited Soweto derby against rivals Orlando Pirates.
Line-ups:
Kaizer Chiefs: 16. E. Baron, 2. J. Tau, 4. C. Nzama, 5. P. Mabedi, 6. F. McCarthy, 8. T. Nengomasha, 13. D. Obua, 17. R. Richards (11. E. Ngobese 75 min) 22. N. Sikhakhane (24. D. Mathebula 45min), 25. G. Schalkwyk (12. T. Mooki 88 min), 91. J.S. Moshoeu
Classic: 1. C. Harpur, 24. T. Mashego, 25. B. Cashibe, 4. W. Ngema, 21. O. Bhasera, 10. D. Makhale, 8. I. Madubanya, 18. G. King (14. K. Sosibo 59min), 6. M. Ntsolengoe (27. M. Rashete 68min), 20. O. Kafor (29. J. Mothibi 58min), 19. W. Qalanto
Yellow Cards: Chiefs, R. Richards 63min, E. Baron 72 min
Referee: J. Damon
Assistant 1: E. Molefe
Assistant 2: G. Selopatsa
4th Official: J. Nhlapho
