Nedbank Cup
By Sello Masilo
In a dramatic Nedbank Cup semi-final on Sunday, 13 April 2025, Kaizer Chiefs pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The Amakhosi, trailing at half-time, staged a comeback with goals from Wandile Duba and Ashley Du Preez, securing their first cup final appearance in six years. They now face arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in a highly anticipated Soweto derby final on 31 May 2025, ending Sundowns’ hopes of a domestic treble.
A Match of High Stakes and Electric Atmosphere
The clash, kicking off at “18h00” at Loftus Versfeld, drew a capacity crowd of “49,365” fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Both teams, giants of South African football, were vying for a spot in the Nedbank Cup final, with Sundowns chasing a second consecutive final appearance and Chiefs aiming to end a decade-long trophy drought.
From the outset, Chiefs showed intent, controlling possession in the “first 5 minutes” despite Sundowns’ early attacking forays. The game remained cagey, with both sides cautious, aware that “any mistake defensively could cost them a place in the cup final”. By the “12th minute”, the match was “very even”, with neither team finding a breakthrough.
First Half: Sundowns Edge Ahead
Sundowns began to assert themselves, generating the “first shot on goal” in the “22nd minute” after a free kick from Lucas Suarez. Iqraam Rayners’ follow-up shot was deflected for a corner, marking the home side’s second set-piece. The first yellow card came in the “27th minute”, with Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro booked for a “strong tackle” on a Chiefs player, setting the tone for a physical contest.
By the “32nd minute”, Sundowns were dominating, approaching Chiefs’ area with confidence but lacking precision in front of goal. Chiefs responded in the “37th minute” with a long-range effort from Gastón Sirino, brilliantly saved by Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, keeping the score level.
A blow came for Sundowns in the “43rd minute” when Divine Lunga was forced off due to injury, replaced by Asekho Tiwani in a “positional substitution” to maintain their tactical shape. As the half drew to a close, the game slowed, and it seemed destined for a goalless draw. However, in the “45+5th minute”, Teboho Mokoena struck a “great free kick”, giving Sundowns a 1-0 lead at the break, leaving Chiefs stunned.
Second Half: Chiefs’ Resilience Shines
The “second half” began with Sundowns controlling “81% possession” in the opening minutes, setting a “slow pace” as Chiefs struggled to regain momentum. Sundowns made two substitutions at the start, bringing on Arthur Sales and Jayden Adams for Iqraam Rayners and Bathusi Aubaas to inject fresh energy into their attack.
Chiefs, under coach Nasreddine Nabi, remained disciplined, and their persistence paid off in the “57th minute”. Wandile Duba unleashed a “powerful shot from the centre of the box”, levelling the score at 1-1. The goal shifted the momentum, igniting the Chiefs’ fans and silencing the home crowd. A minute earlier, Sirino had been booked in the “54th minute” for a tackle on Grant Kekana, reflecting the match’s growing intensity.
The game grew heated, with yellow cards shown to Jayden Adams and Thabo Cele in the “61st minute” after a “strong cross and shoves”. Mokoena followed in the “63rd minute”, cautioned for a foul on Pule Mmodi, as the referee struggled to keep control. Chiefs made their first change in the “64th minute”, introducing Mduduzi Shabalala for Makabi Lilepo to bolster midfield stability.
By the “69th minute”, Sundowns’ possession dominance waned, and the match became “closed again”, with both teams wary of mistakes. Chiefs made further substitutions in the “73rd minute”, bringing on Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Lehlogonolo George Matlou for Sirino and Cele to manage the midfield battle.
Late Drama: Chiefs Snatch Victory
With “ten minutes left” at the “78th minute”, the game hung in the balance, with no clear chances emerging. Chiefs made their final change in the “80th minute”, replacing Duba with Ashley Du Preez to keep their attack fresh. The move proved inspired.
In the “88th minute”, Chiefs struck decisively. A free kick from the left found its way to the far post, where Matlou delivered a cross after a rebound. Du Preez, unmarked at the penalty spot, fired home, sparking wild celebrations. Despite debates over a possible offside—unreviewable due to the absence of VAR—Chiefs led 2-1.
Sundowns responded desperately, substituting Tashreeq Matthews for Lucas Suarez in the “90+1st minute” in an “all-or-nothing” bid to equalise. Arthur Sales received a yellow card in the “90+2nd minute” for a midfield foul, reflecting the home side’s frustration. The referee added significant stoppage time, but Chiefs held firm, sealing a 2-1 victory at “90+5”.
Key Performers and Tactical Breakdown
Wandile Duba and Ashley Du Preez were Chiefs’ heroes, with Duba’s equaliser and Du Preez’s winner showcasing their attacking prowess. Bruce Bvuma’s goalkeeping was crucial, thwarting Sundowns’ early chances, while Matlou’s assist highlighted Chiefs’ bench strength.
For Sundowns, Teboho Mokoena’s free-kick goal was a moment of brilliance, but their inability to convert possession into clear chances cost them. Ronwen Williams made key saves, but defensive lapses late in the game proved fatal.
Tactically, Chiefs’ counter-attacking approach under Nabi exploited Sundowns’ fatigue from their recent CAF Champions League commitments, including a 0-0 draw against Esperance on 8 April. Sundowns’ possession-based style, led by Miguel Cardoso, dominated early but lacked cutting edge after the interval.
Historical Context and Rivalry
The result marked a rare victory for Chiefs, who have struggled against Sundowns in recent years. Since 2001, the teams have met “58 times”, with Sundowns winning 24, Chiefs 21, and 13 draws. Sundowns had won their last five encounters, including a 1-0 league win on 1 March 2025, making Chiefs’ triumph a significant upset.
Chiefs’ last Nedbank Cup final appearance was in 2019, losing 1-0 to TS Galaxy. Their last title came in 2013, cementing their record as the competition’s most successful club with 13 titles. Sundowns, with six titles, were aiming for a repeat of their 2023 final appearance, which they lost 2-1 to Pirates.
Road to the Final: Soweto Derby Awaits
Chiefs now face Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final on “31 May 2025” at Mbombela Stadium, setting up a blockbuster Soweto derby. Pirates secured their final spot earlier on 13 April with a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants, courtesy of Kabelo Dlamini’s goal. The final promises to be a historic clash, with Chiefs chasing their 14th title and Pirates aiming for a third consecutive crown.
The semi-final showcased Chiefs’ resilience, overcoming a challenging season with only “8 wins” in 24 Betway Premiership matches, placing them eighth with “30 points”. Their cup run, including a 3-0 win over Chippa United and a 3-1 victory against Stellenbosch, has revitalised their campaign.
Sundowns, despite the loss, remain dominant in the Betway Premiership with “58 points” from 19 wins, leading second-placed Pirates by 12 points. Their cup journey saw them dispatch Sibanye Golden Stars 5-2, Mpheni 2-0, and Sekhukhune United 1-0, but their treble dreams—spanning the league, CAF Champions League, and Nedbank Cup—were dashed.
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