(AET Extra time Chiefs win 2 – 1 on penalties)

Date: 29th April 2006

Venue: Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, Rustenburg

Competition: ABSA Cup Semi Final

The fact that they are almost league champions has probably drifted momentarily away from Mamelodi Sundowns, as The Amakhosi dented the Brazilians dreams of becoming league and Cup Champions. Like they did six years ago Chiefs once again prevailed and continued their historical dominance over Sundowns in cup competitions, as they ran out 2-1 winners via penalty kicks to proceed to the ABSA Cup final.

After one hundred and twenty minutes of end to end action Ernst Middendorp jumped highest in celebration as the Chiefs bench ran onto the field to celebrate with the eleven men who had gone through two hours of an energy draining game. The game started off at a snails pace and the first forty five minutes failed to live up to the pre-match hype, both teams managed to stay goalless through a boring 1st half in which Sundowns had a slight edge.

In the second half the game really sprung to life as both teams threw off their defensive shields and began attacking with more gusto, Gert Schalkwyk was presented with a great scoring on 56 minutes. The Chiefs midfielder was put in on goal by David Radebe and could have done better as he shot straight at Andre Arendse. Sundowns best chance of the half came off an Esrom Nyandoro free kick, Rowen Fernandez saved brilliantly off a point blank header from Moriri.

The game than headed into extra time where Chiefs took a strangle hold on proceedings and began to press their dominance, as Chiefs threw attack after attack at the Sundowns defence. Frustration began to creep into the Brazilians and David Kannemeyer hit out at Chiefs striker David Radebe, which resulted in the Sundowns defender receiving his marching orders leaving his team to battle out the last seven minutes of the game with ten men. As penalties loomed large Chiefs substitute Louis Agyemang had a chance to win the game, after he was set on goal by Mototo, Agyemang watched on as Andre Arendse kept out his shot with a brilliant one handed save.

With the game level after 120 minutes penalties were needed to separate the two teams, Sundowns kicked first and went ahead through the boot of Esrom Nyandoro, Thabo Mooki then duly obliged to level matters for The Amakhosi. From then onwards it went horribly wrong for Sundowns as Peter Ndlovu shot wide of Rowen Fernandez and David Radebe than gave Chiefs the lead as he converted his spot kick. The next five spot kicks were then missed as Godfrey Sapula, David Obua, Josta Dladla, Patrick Mayo and Jose Torrealba could not hit the net and Rowen Fernandez was Chiefs shoot out hero saving from Godfrey Sapula.

Chiefs will now gather their thoughts and get much needed rest as they head into Sunday waiting to see who of Orlando Pirates or Classic will be their opposition in the 2006 ABSA Cup Final. Chiefs have a free week as they do not have any matches this week and are next in action against Super Sport United on the 13th May a game they will as a dress rehearsal for the ABSA Cup Final on the 20th May.

Line Up:

Mamelodi Sundowns: 1. A. Arendse, 3. E. Nyandoro, 14. S. Moriri (16. Sapula 101 min), 25. M. Manzini, 30. V. Mere, 7. J. Torrealba, 9. J. Dladla, 66. D. Kannemeyer,

8. L. Chabangu (16. S. Ndlovu 72 min), 19. B. Mhlongo,

12. C. Mazibuko (23. P. Ndlovu 91 min)

Substitutes: 17. P. Masehe, 10. G. Sapula, 16. S. Ndlovu, 23. P. Ndlovu, 2. O. Ntwagae, 69. S. Roberts, 20. R. Johannes

Co-Coaches: Miguel Gamondi / Neil Tovey

Assistant: Daniel Mudau

Doctor: Human

Physiotherapist: Domminic Busschau

Kaizer Chiefs: 1. R. Fernandez, 21. P. Mayo, 4. C. Nzama, 2. J. Tau, 13. D. Obua,

24. D. Mathebula (12. Mooki 46 min), 33. D. Mototo (29. Spencer 118 min),

18. A. Zwane, 8. T. Nengomasha (20. Agyemang 77 min), 25. G. Schalkwyk,

31. D. Radebe

Substitutes: 32. I. Khune, 12. T. Mooki, 20. L. Agyemang, 27. G. Sibeko, 28. D. Spencer,

19. N. Kubeka, 11. E. Ngobese

Coach: Ernst Middendorp

Assistant Coach: Frank Eulberg

Doctor: Philemon Maepa

Physiotherapist: David Milner

Yellow Cards: Mamelodi Sundowns: 66. David Kannemeyer 28 min

Kaizer Chiefs: Jimmy Tau 23 min

Red Cards: Mamelodi Sundowns: 66. David Kannemeyer

Referee: A. Ncobo

Assistant 1: Y. Anjit

Assistant 2: S. Jibiliza

4th Official: P. Marquez

Match Inspector / Commissioner: J. Lobo