Eric Mathoho netted the only goal of the game as Kaizer Chiefs edged Baroka 1-0 to advance to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals on Saturday evening, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Baroka got off to a bright start with Zimbabwean Talent Chapiwa looking particularly threatening.

Robin Ngalande came close to giving Bakgaga the lead, but his effort was fired straight at Itumeleng Khune.

Baroka continued their attacking onslaught on the Chiefs’ goalframe; however, they failed to take advantage of the momentum.

Ryan Moon had Chiefs’ first effort on target when he directed a header goal bound, but his effort proved too tame for goalkeeper Ayanda Dlamini.

Gift Motupa spotted the Bafana Bafana No 1 off his line and tried an audacious long-range effort, but his effort went wide of the mark with Khune seemingly beaten.

A defensive blunder from Baroka almost gifted Chiefs the opener in the 34th minute, but goalkeeper Dlamini came to his side’s rescue, saving Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s effort.

Chiefs should have been ahead three minutes later when Moon’s curling effort struck the woodwork, with Hendrik Ekstein’s follow-up effort behind was denied by Dlamini.

Chiefs were not to be denied from the resultant corner as Eric Mathoho rose highest to head home Siphiwe Tshabalala’s header.

Moon could have doubled his side’s advantage when he was awarded a penalty after Leonardo Castro was bundled in the area. Moon, however, skied the resultant penalty as Amakhosi went into the break with a one-goal lead.

Baroka emerged with more attacking purpose in the second half and came agonisingly close to levelling matters when Chawapiwa bamboozled Teenage Hadebe and Philani Zulu before directing his effort against the post.

Minutes later, Daniel Cardoso made an excellent challenge to deny Chawapiwa.

In the end, Chiefs rode their luck to run out 1-0 victors and move to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.

Photo: Gallo Images