Astonishing comeback from Chiefs
ALEXANDRA - Kaizer Chiefs staged one of the best comebacks of recent times when they beat Maritzburg United 5-3 in an MTN8 quarterfinal clash on a cold evening at the FNB Stadium.
Chiefs went into half-time trailing 2-0 after two counter attacks from United caught the Chiefs defence flatfooted.
The Soweto side featured a new centre-back pairing of Ivan Bukenya and former Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Siyanda Xulu, who played his first official game for Amakhosi.
Whatever coach Steve Komphela said at half-time to his players worked, as Chiefs came out guns blazing. George Lebese scored for Chiefs with a header only three minutes into the second half, and Bernard Parker levelled matters in the 50th minute with a long-range shot. Chiefs continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded when Lebese bagged his second in the 63rd minute to put his side 3-2 ahead.
However, a lack of communication in the Chiefs defence resulted in an own goal by Siyanda Xulu to give United a lifeline at 3-3.
The game went into extra-time and it was Chiefs’ Xulu who turned from villain to hero when he scored a brilliant overhead kick from a set piece in the 114th minute as Chiefs took control of the game.
The introduction of Pule Ekstein in the 84th minute for Chiefs had provided more flair in their midfield going forward. This paid off as Simphiwe Tshabalala provided a great pass to Ekstein who connected with his right foot to put the game to bed.
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