By Michael Madyira
Chippa United were confirmed as the last team to reach the Nedbank Cup semi-finals after beating TS Galaxy 2-0 in a quarter-final clash at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.
The Chilli Boys will now meet Orlando Pirates in the last four at a date and venue yet to be announced by the Premier Soccer League.
The other semi-final clash will feature Mamelodi Sundowns and in-form Stellenbosch who hammered SuperSport United 4-0 on Saturday.
But on Sunday, the Chilli Boys secured passage into the next round through Bienvenu Eva Nga’s 30th-minute strike as well as Roscoe Petersen’s penalty in stoppage time.
It was a match in which the hosts will blame themselves for blowing away an opportunity to level terms with two minutes remaining on the clock when Pogiso Sanoka missed a penalty.
The Rockets started the game on a promising note, dominating the exchanges and agonisingly watching Samir Nurkovic’s acrobatic effort crashing against the crossbar off a Lehlohonolo Mojela delivery after 25 minutes.
But soon after that, Eva Nga headed in a cross from Justice Chabalala to hand the visitors the lead.
Chippa almost doubled their advantage but Sanoka cleared off the goalline a Craig Martin effort in the 36th-minute.
It then became a second-half of few chances and TS Galaxy got an opportunity to restore parity after Sirgio Kammies handled inside the box.
But Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali dived to deny Sanoka.
Soon after, at the other end, Lebona Seema fouled Aviwe Mqokozo inside the box and it was Chippa’s turn for a penalty in what was a dramatic end to the contest.
Up-stepped Petersen to beat the Chilli Boys keeper Fiacre Ntwari.
Pictured above: Chippa United forward Bienvenu Eva Nga controls the ball while under the challenge of a TS Galaxy player
Image source: PSLÂ
