Chippa United cruised into the MTN8 semi-finals following their 2-0 victory over Platinum Stars in the quarter-finals at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday.

The home threatened first as early as the third minute when Ndumiso Mabena played a curling corner kick into the box but Chippa goalkeeper Zama Dlamini was on hand to punch the ball away.

A horrible mistake by Isaac Nhlapo in the ninth minute allowed Rhulani Manzini to pounce on the loose ball, round the keeper and slotting the ball home to hand Chippa an early lead.

In the 17th minute, Buyani Sali nearly extended Chippa’s lead but saw his powerful effort from 24-yards out guided just wide of the post.

Stars struggled going forward resulted in coach Cavin Johnson making an early change as he replaced Henrico Botes with Sipho Sene in the 34th minute to freshen up their attacking options.

Just five minutes later after a good build-up of play from the visitors saw Rhulani Manzini try his luck at goal from just inside the box, however, Mbongeni Mzimela made a good save to deny the forward.

The Chilli Boys went into the half time break with a 1-0 over Platinum Stars.

Ten minutes into the second half Rhulani Manzini almost double Chippa’s lead when he met a Marc Van Heerden free kick, but his headed effort went just wide of the target.

With over an hour played, Stars created their best opportunity of the match as Ndumiso Mabena latched onto a through ball from captain Vuyo Mere, who saw his attempt blazed wide of the target from 18-yard out.

With 17 minutes left to play, Chippa were unlucky not to extend their lead when Andile Mbenyane struck the right-hand post from 16 yards out.

In the 78th minute, Chippa finally doubled their lead as Thembinkosi Lorch played a ball into the Stars penalty area as Masuku blazed the ball into the back of the net from close range.

Chippa United held on to a 2-0 victory over Platinum Stars to secure their spot in the MTN8 semi-finals.

Image: Chippa United website