Du Preez Seals Dramatic Chiefs Victory Over Sundowns, Setting Up Soweto Derby Finale

Ashley du Preez scored a late winner, propelling Kaizer Chiefs to a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium on Sunday night. This result sets up a highly anticipated Nedbank Cup final clash against Orlando Pirates next month.

Du Preez capitalized on unmarked space in stoppage time, completing a comeback for Chiefs, who had initially fallen behind. Chiefs will now face Pirates, who secured their final berth with a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants earlier on Sunday.

Remarkably, this match marked the first-ever Nedbank Cup encounter between Sundowns and Chiefs since the commercial bank’s sponsorship began in the 2007/08 season.

Their last cup meeting occurred in 2006, then known as the Absa Cup, where Chiefs prevailed on penalties and went on to win the trophy, defeating Pirates, also on penalties, at Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

Despite Sundowns’ three previous victories over Chiefs this season, they were unable to replicate that dominance. Chiefs displayed impressive organization and stifled Sundowns’ midfield, creating a congested battleground.

Sirino attempted a long-range effort against his former teammate, Ronwen Williams, but the Bafana Bafana international made a crucial save for a corner. From the ensuing corner, Chiefs’ Glody Lilepo came close with a header that went wide. Chiefs showed their intent, refusing to give Sundowns any quarter in Pretoria.

Sundowns suffered a setback when Divine Lunga, who had impressed in their midweek draw against ES Esperance, was forced off with a suspected muscle injury in the 42nd minute. He was replaced by youngster Asekho Tiwani, despite Aubrey Modiba’s experience being available on the bench.

Shortly before halftime, Teboho Mokoena curled a superb free-kick past Bruce Bvuma, giving Sundowns a 1-0 lead. However, Chiefs equalized when Wandile Duba intercepted a pass from Lucas Suarez to Teboho Mokoena, and the youngster sprinted clear to score past Williams. This was another costly error from Suarez, who had also been punished in Sundowns’ recent league loss to Orlando Pirates.

With momentum shifting, Chiefs took the lead in the 89th minute. Du Preez, who had replaced Duba, side-footed home after Sundowns failed to clear a free-kick. George Matlou delivered a pinpoint cross, and du Preez finished clinically, capitalizing on poor marking by Sundowns.

Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, under considerable pressure, remained composed in his dugout, perhaps in disbelief. This marks Chiefs’ first Nedbank Cup final appearance since the 2018/19 season, when they lost to TS Galaxy in Durban.

The Soweto derby final will take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May.