Kaizer Chiefs lost 1-0 to Cape Town City in the MTN quarterfinal at Cape Town’s Cape Town Stadium on Friday evening. The home side scored early in the game, while Amakhosi, despite getting a few good chances, couldn’t find the back of the net.

Steve Komphela made some changes compared to the line-up for Tuesday’s 2-1 Absa Premiership loss to Bidvest Wits. The Zimbabwean winger Edmore Chirambadare (coming on for George Lebese) made his debut in an official Amakhosi game, while Zambian striker Lewis Macha (for Hendrick Ekstein) and Lucky Baloyi (for George Maluleka) also started.

Chiefs got an early chance in the sixth minute, but Macha’s header was well blocked by the City goalkeeper from ending in the goal.

Barely a minute later, the home side counter-attacked, scoring a goal thanks to Matthew Sim.

It was a disappointing start to the match.

Amakhosi recovered from this early set-back and had most of the ball possession for the rest of the first half, even though it didn’t result in many goal scoring opportunities.

Especially debutant Chirambadare looked threatening whenever in possession of the ball.

Chiefs coach Komphela decided to make a change at halftime, taking off Bernard Parker and bringing on Edward Manqele.

Amakhosi’s passing movements were played at a higher pace in the second half, which resulted in more threats to the City defence.

Still, the home side kept doing well too, being dangerous when counter-attacking.

There was a good atmosphere at the Cape Town Stadium, with most people in attendance supporting Amakhosi. They got especially excited when Ekstein was brought on in the 65th minute. The skilful midfielder replaced Chirambadare.

Slowly, Chiefs started to build-up the pressure on the City defence. Macha worked tiressly up-front, even though he wasn’t handed much goal scoring opportunities by his teammates.

The more the game went on, the more chances came Amakhosi’s way. But the City goalkeeper again made some fine saves.

City went for a lot of time wasting in the second half, which resulted in the referee deciding on five minutes of extra time.

In the end, it wasn’t to be. After reaching the MTN8 final last season, Chiefs are now out of this cup competition in the quarterfinal.

Cape Town City (1) 1 (Sim 7’)


Kaizer Chiefs 0

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune; Moleko, Mphahlele, Gordinho, Masilela; Twala, Katsande, Baloyi (Letlotlo 81’), Chirambadare (Ekstein 65’); Parker (Manqele 46’), Macha

Cape Town City: Walters; Kobola, Modiba, Gumede, Rode; Sim, Matsi, Putsche, Jayiya (Johannes 89’); Manyama (Ngoma 58’), Majoro (Moseamedi 85’)