JOHANNESBURG - Kaizer Chiefs host arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in next weekend's second leg of the MTN8 Trophy semi-final with better chances of making the final than their opponents, thanks to a strike by Zimbabwean international, Knowledge Musona In a humdinger of a match played at the giant FNB stadium Saturday night, Pirates were ahead and looking good after a 47th minute opener by Isaac Chansa – the Zambian hitting in mid-air a scorcher that gave the Amakhosi’s Itumeleng Khune no chance, after meeting a flick by midfielder Teko Modise, off a perfect corner by winger Daine Klate.
As always, Chiefs fans have looked up to Musona for salvation when the chips are down and the youthful Zimbabwean striker, whose solitary strike in the quarterfinals powered the Amakhosi past Bloemfontein Celtic, became his teams saviour again and put his team on an even keel as they prepare for the second leg.
The Zimbabwean, who has begun this season on fire for the Amakhosi, came to the end of a cross by captain Jimmy Tau, who stormed up the right wing, taking on Rueben Cloete and beating him before sending a low cross into the box towards Musona, who controlled the ball and made a majestic turn before shooting past Moneeb Josephs who made a lethargic attempt at trying to stop the ball.
The Zimbabwean was a menace to the Pirates defence, which lacked the grit of compatriot Zvenyika Makonese, toying around with Rhui Mahamutsa and Lucky Legkwathi as if they were products of his own creation, but inept shooting limited his scoring efficiency to just that single goal, as the two giants settled for a 1-1 draw, with Chiefs now favoured by an away goal they will take to the same venue on September 26.
Although happy with the result, Chiefs coach, Vladimir Vermezovic called on his players to focus on winning the second leg than being satisfied with the 1-all first leg result.
Chiefs, who last won the trophy when the beat Mamelodi Sundowns two seasons ago, need to grind out a 0-0 draw to progress to the final, but the Serb says his team will go out for a win in the second leg.
For me the away goal is not an advantage. These are two big teams and it will be a big game. As I said before this match the winner can only be decided after the second leg, said Vermezovic.
It cant be over in the first leg. We still have the second game and we are going for a win. We are not going to hold back, because we scored away in the first leg. We are not going for 0-0. We have to make sure we win. We have to push for a win in the second leg.
Post published in: Football