Report: Chiefs edge Eagles to progress to Nedbank Cup last 16

Lebogang Manyama’s late goal saw Kaizer Chiefs progress to the Nedbank Cup last 16 stage after narrowly defeating GladAfrica Championship side Royal Eagles 1-0 on Saturday evening at FNB Stadium.

Read: Chiefs going all out against Eagles in Nedbank Cup clash!

Coach Ernst Middendorp made three changes, giving star goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, Reeve Frosler and Kearyn Baccus a start, while Khama Billiat and new signing Anthony Akumu were named on the bench.

Kaizer Chiefs edged Royal Eagles to progress into the tournament’s last 16.
(Image: Gallo)

First half

The Soweto giants started off on the right foot almost getting the opener fourteen minutes into the game after George Maluleka missed a top corner.

Sixteen minutes later Chiefs were given some space inside the six-yard box which Leonardo Castro utilized the opportunity in search of an opener however his powerful strike went over the crossbar.

Amakhosi continued with their momentum which they came so close to finding their breakthrough after Maluleka supplied Castro with a cut-back but the Colombian striker was a second late to the ball.

Eagles on the other hand were compact at the back with a rare chance two minutes before breaking the first half after Khune was out of the area but they struck over the crossbar.

Second half

Middendorp made double changes bringing in Billiat and Bernard Parker for Baccus and Castro.

The change was well needed as it made an immediate impact three minutes later as Billiat supplied with a pass from the centre however Manyama missed the opportunity.

Manyama eventually snatched the lead for Chiefs 20 minutes remaining after hooking a long pass from Frosler and with the same momentum hooked it over Maova to the back of the net.

Ten minutes before the stoppage time, the visitors came out to defend while they got a dead-ball opportunity in a dangerous area but could not take their chances as Chiefs held on to book a place in the last 16 while Eagles crashed out of the tournament.