Chippa United became the first team to qualify for the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after they beat Richards Bay 2-1 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium.
Chippa United 2-1 Richards Bay
Anthony Laffor put Chippa into the lead in the 5th minute, as he pounced on a poor back pass from Moses Mthembu and made no mistake in beating Ludwe Mpakumpaku.
Much of the action took place in the middle of the park, and while both teams had moments, they didn’t threaten in the final third and it was the former Liberian captain’s first goal for Chippa that separated the two teams at half-time.
Maloisane Mokhele made it 2-0 in the 58th minute, Mpakumpaku made a great save to deny Mokhele from long range, but seconds later, he was on hand to toe poke the ball in from close range, after being calmly set up by Augustine Kwem.
Siyabonga Vilane pulled one back for the Natal Rich Boyz in the 90th minute, as he headed in from a free kick by Bayzel Goldstone
The end of the road for Richards Bay, who had knocked out Kaizer Chiefs in the last 32. While they put in a good effort, and played to the final whistle, it wasn’t to be for Simo Dladla’s side.
Another semi-final for Dan Malesela, who has won the Nedbank Cup as both a player (with Orlando Pirates in 1988) and a coach (with TS Galaxy in 2019) in the past, and he will now be eyeing a potential third trophy with a third different team.
Two more semi-finalists will be decided on Sunday when Cape Town All Stars host Pretoria Callies in all GladAfrica Championship affair, while Black Leopards host Tshakhuma in a Limpopo derby.
