Kaizer Chiefs beat Orlando Pirates 6-5 on penalties, after the Telkom Knockout semifinal finished goalless after extra time. It was a fascinating game with both teams playing their hearts out. Thanks to the win, Amakhosi reached the Telkom Knockout final and, with it, another opportunity to win a trophy. The match was played at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Steve Komphela had to make a tough decision, as Itumeleng Khune re-injured his knee in training on Thursday. The Chiefs coach decided to opt for Brilliant Khuzwayo, who had been outstanding in goal in a few recent MultiChoice Diski Challenge (MDC) games.

Lucky Baloyi continued to replace Reneilwe Letsholonyane in central midfield, teaming up with Willard Katsande, while Hendrick ‘Pule’ started again too.

The game started at a high pace with both teams trying to dominate the midfield.

Chiefs got a few good chances during the first 30 minutes of the game, the best two coming for George Lebese. The ball, however, didn’t end up in the back of the net.

Amakhosi definitely performed better than in last week’s Derby, which was lost 3-1. That was an Absa Premiership fixture, while today’s match was about reaching the Telkom Knockout final.

There was a real cup edge to this game with none of the teams wanting to give an inch to the other side.

Pirates got their first real opportunity in the 37th minute, but Khuzwayo saved brilliantly from close range.

Barely a minute later, there was a chance for Ivan Bukenya in the Pirates-box, but his head just failed to connect with the ball.

Ekstein did well in midfield, sometimes he over indulged a bit on-the-ball, although this did get the Amakhosi supporters going, cheering him on in numbers. The young midfielder showed an abundance of energy, while delivering some good passes.

Coach Komphela opted to come up with a change at the start of the second half. Lorenzo Gordinho came on for Bukenya, who had collected a yellow card in the first half and who seemed at stages to be a bit off the pace on the day.

Pirates’ Mpho Makola shot the ball at goal in the 54th minute. The ball got a reflection, which put Khuzwayo slightly off-balance, but he quickly corrected himself, making an excellent save.

A minute later another great reflex from the Chiefs goalkeeper cared that Kermit Erasmus’ shot from just outside the box didn’t fly into the goal.

It all happened during a period of the game when Pirates tried to take control of the game, as Khuzwayo had to make another brilliant save in the 62th minute. This time it was one-on-one with Thamsanqa Gabuza, who had managed to escape Chiefs’ two centre-backs.

The game stayed tight until the end of the 90 minutes, with Chiefs finding their first half rhythm again halfway through the second half.

Substitute Siphelele Mthembu got a fine chance to score in the 85th minute, but his shot completely missed the target. However, it did show that Amakhosi was back in the game.

Pirates got a golden opportunity to finish the game in the 90th minute, but again Khuzwayo saved brilliantly, stopping Menzi Masuku’s shot from close range from going into the goal.

Extra time followed. The game was now flowing up and down with both sides trying to get that crucial goal.

However, it didn’t happen and the enthralling cup semifinal had to be decided on penalties, which Chiefs won after Pirates defender Siyabonga Sangweni missed a chance to bring the score to 6-6, with the ball hitting the crossbar.

As a result of this, the Amakhosi will play in another cup final after earlier this season already having played in the MTN8 final. Sadly, that one was lost to Ajax Cape Town, but Chiefs now have another shot to win a major trophy this season.

Amakhosi ‘keeper Khuzwayo won the Man of the Match after a truly outstanding performance, making numerous crucial saves.

Kaizer Chiefs 0

Orlando Pirates 0

Penalties:

Kaizer Chiefs (took the first): Tshabalala (scores) 1-0, Katsande (scores) 2-1, Letsholonyane (scores) 3-2, Gordinho (scores) 4-3, Mthembu (misses) 4-3, Masilela (scores) 5-4, Baloyi (scores) 6-5,

Orlando Pirates: Matlaba (scores) 1-1, Masuku (scores) 2-2, Majoro (scored) 3-3, Ntshumayelo (misses) 4-3, Matupa (scores) 4-4, Sarr (scores) 5-5, Sangweni (misses) 6-5

Kaizer Chiefs: Khuzwayo; Gaxa, Mathoho, Bukenya (Gordinho 46’), Masilela; Tshabalala, Katsande, Baloyi, Lebese (Letsholonyane 112’); Ekstein, Abraw (Mthembu 74’)

Orlando Pirates: Mpontshane; Nyauza, Gcaba, Sangweni, Matlaba; Rakhale, Ntshumayelo, Sarr, Makola (Masuku 74’); Gabuza (Majoro 76’), Erasmus (Motupa 102’)