Kaizer Chiefs advanced to the semi-finals of the 2018 MTN8 competition after beating Free State Stars 3-0 at the FNB Stadium, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

The Soweto giants bounced back from their 3-1 defeat to Bidvest Wits in their second league clash of the season to ease past a toothless El La Koto outfit.

In a tournament which offers R8-million prize money, Giovanni Solinas could go a long way in appeasing the Chiefs’ faithful by ending their trophy drought in his first season.

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The clash got off to a slow start with both sides sniffing out one another’s weaknesses in the opening exchanges.

Amakhosi should have drawn first blood in the 27th minute when Daniel Cardoso found himself unmarked in the area, but the defender’s effort proved wasteful.

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Chiefs took the lead three minutes later when striker Dumisani Zuma’s well-placed effort found the back of the net following a neat one-two with Joseph Malongoane.

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Malongoane should have doubled his side’s effort just before the half-time mark, but the winger’s effort was well-saved by goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare.

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Chiefs restarted the second-half like a house on fire and were rewarded for their attacking efforts when Leonardo Castro doubled their lead after a lovely through ball from Siphelele Ntshangase.

The referee awarded a whopping 13 minutes of additional time due to an injury. This gave Chiefs enough time to add another with marquee signing Khama Billiat breaking his duck with a left-footed effort with virtually the last kick of the game.

Solinas’ side became the second team to reach the semi-finals of the 2018 MTN8 competition, joining Mamelodi Sundowns who earlier saw off Golden Arrows.

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Photo: Backpagepix