A 2-1 win over Casric Stars at the FNB Stadium on Sunday night saw Kaizer Chiefs take a step forward in their bid to end their seven-year trophy drought.
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The win moves Chiefs into the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup. The next round of draws will take place on Monday evening.
While this game was really hard for Chiefs, they lacked sharpness and fluidity against the Motsepe Foundation Championship side.
They joined Mamelodi Sundowns, Dondol Stars, Sekhukhune United, Royal AM, Chippa United, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch in the quarterfinals.
Chiefs were awarded a 10-minute penalty when captain Casric Mumuni Abubakar handled the ball in his own box.
And Caleb Bimenyimana took the resulting spot kick and scored to give the home side an early lead.
A minute later, Chiefs went close with a second from a corner after Casric’s miscommunication between the players ended with the ball hitting the upright.
Casric picked up the tempo after conceding and began to enter Chiefs territory in search of an equaliser.
They found it tough though against an experienced Chiefs defense that stood firm.
The leaders had a few more chances to add to their lead but they couldn’t make it count.
The Chiefs were forced into substitutions early in the second half with Bimenyimana unable to continue after pulling a muscle.
His place was taken by Ashley Du Preez with Dillon Solomons also coming on for the ineffective Kamohelo Mahlatsi.
Du Preez’s pace gave the Chiefs a different measure of attack, but his decisions in the final third left much to be desired.
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But a defensive error by Zitha Kwinika gave Kgomotso Mosadi the ball and Casric equalized in the 61st minute.
The Chiefs reacted quickly and were back in front a few minutes later through Du Preez.
The speedy striker connected brilliantly with a cross from Keagan Dolly to restore the lead for the home side.
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Mduduzi Shabalala had a glorious chance to give Chiefs a cushion but was thrown away.
He seemed to be in two minds as he reached his target. And that hesitation gave Ludwe Mpukumpaku the opportunity to step forward and create a smaller space for the young man.