Kaizer Chiefs advanced to the Telkom Knockout semi-finals as they secured a 1-0 victory against SuperSport United courtesy of Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s stunner at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Amakhosi went into the clash on the back of a 3-1 loss in the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates, while Kaitano Tembo’s side secured a 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows.

Both sides made one change each from their previouys games with George Maluleka replacing Siphelele Ntshangase for Chiefs, while Ricahard Boateng came in for the injured Onismor Bhasera for SuperSport.

Giovanni Solinas’ side were presented with the first chance of the game in the third minute when a swift counter-attack saw Dumisani Zuma lay the ball off to Bernard Parker, however SuperSport shot-stopper Ronwen Williams showed excellent awareness to keep out the effort.

Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was handed a yellow card in the eighth minute after he handled the ball outside of the area to deny Aubrey Modiba’s goalbound effort following a beautiful ball over the top by Teboho Mokoena.

The home side came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute, but midfielder Willard Katsande’s effort cannoned off the post following a goalmouth scramble.

Chiefs’ backfour were again caught napping in the 24th minute when another route one ball fround Modiba with only Khune to beat, but the winger blasted ball over the top.

George Malulerka almost netted directly from a corner kick just after the half hour mark, but Williams had his wits abouty him forcing the goalbound effort out for a corner.

Chiefs were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute when defender Richard Boateng brought down defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele in the area, however Katsande’s subsequent strike came off the post.

Chiefs, were not to be denied seconds later when Mphahlele’s well-struck bullet of an effort crept in at the near post with Williams well-beaten.

The goal shifted momentum in favour of Chiefs who went into the half-time break with a one-goal lead at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

SuperSport came out in the second-half with more of an attacking intent and made two substitutions with Thuso Phala and Evans Rusike coming on.

Chiefs looked second best for much of the second-half as SuperSport looked to claw their way back into the game, however a mixture of desperate defending and wastefulness saw the visitors fail to equalise.

Tembo opted for the final roll of the dice as he brought on Kamohelo Mahltasi for Modiba.

In the end, Chiefs put an end to SuperSport’s recent stranglehold over them as they ran out 1-0 victors to join Baroka, Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals of the competition.

Photo: Gallo Images