FATIGUE, what fatigue? Mamelodi Sundowns showed no signs of tired legs as they booked their first domestic cup final of the season.
The Brazilians have a tight schedule locally and on the continent, but they still laboured to a hard fought victory in the MNT8 semifinal against Chippa United.
The Tshwane giants, who are the book maker’s favourites to complete a clean sweep of trophies this season, edged the brave Chilli Boys 1-0 on aggregate at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville last night.
Substitute Anthony Laffor came to the Brazilians rescue with 15 minutes remaining to break the visitors’ hearts.
Sundowns face on-form Bidvest Wits in the cup final at the Mbombela Stadium on 1 October.
Wits drubbed Cape Town City 3-0 on aggregate in the other semifinal. It’s the final that the neutrals were hoping to see.
The last time the Chilli Boys came here to play against the Brazilians they were at the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat. But a lot has changed since that heavy defeat as their football keeps on improving under the guidance of Dan “Dance” Malesela.
The Port Elizabeth based outfit held their illustrious opponents to a goalless draw in the first leg in the Windy City. The Chilli Boys also held another Tshwane giant, SuperSport United, to a goalless draw in a league game at the same venue last week. The visitors were looking for an away goal to double the trouble for the Brazilians and came close on a numerous occasions. The Chilli Boys are playing an exciting brand of football these days and this has raised expectations from their small contingent of supporters.
Their slick passing game makes them an exciting team to watch leading experts to install them as the dark horses for the Premiership title.
The Chilli Boys counter attacking game gave the Brazilians a big scare in the first period. There is never a dull moment when Chippa and Sundowns take to the field.
This end to end game kept fans on the edge of their feet as both teams went all out. The tie was still hanging in the balance for both teams heading into the half-time break.
The Brazilians have a busy week as they also have an important Caf Champions League semifinal second-leg against Zambian giants Zesco United at the same venue and are trailing 2-1 going into the return match.
