Kaizer Chiefs delivered a stunning Nedbank Cup semi-final upset, overcoming Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in a pulsating encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The victory witnessed by a sold-out crowd, was underpinned by a tactical plan orchestrated by coach Nasreddine Nabi, a strategy that forward Wandile Duba has now brought to light.
Duba, the eventual Man of the Match, disclosed that Nabi specifically targeted Sundowns’ defender Lucas Suarez, whose costly error proved pivotal in Amakhosi’s dramatic comeback.
Read: Cardoso blasts referee’s following Nedbank Cup semi-final exit
Despite facing mounting pressure following recent underwhelming performances, Chiefs executed Nabi’s game plan with precision. According to Duba, Suarez was the focal point of their tactical approach and the decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute when the Amakhosi academy product expertly intercepted a wayward pass from Suarez intended for Teboho Mokoena.
Seizing the opportunity, the young striker surged forward, calmly slotting the ball past Ronwen Williams to level the score, setting the stage for a grandstand finish.
Speaking in IsiZulu during a post-match interview on SuperSport TV, Duba elaborated on Nabi’s instructions: “He [Nabi] told us not to rush them [Sundowns]. We all know that Sundowns is good when it comes to build-up play, so the coach said we should wait for moments where we can capitalise, like my goal. He did say that their left centre-back [Suarez] makes many mistakes.”
Duba further confirmed the specific targeting of Suarez: “Coach said we should make a trap and close him down in a way that will force him to make an inward pass like he did, which ultimately resulted in my goal-scoring opportunity. “Yes [the coach said we should target Suarez]. Since the start of the week, he said our target is the left centre-back.”
Sundowns had earlier drawn first blood just before the halftime whistle, with Mokoena unleashing a spectacular free-kick from the edge of the penalty area. However, Chiefs demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline in the second half.
Their persistence paid off in the 88th minute when substitute Ashley Du Preez tapped in the winning goal, capitalizing on a well-delivered cross from the promising Mduduzi Shabalala to send the crowd into ruptures.
The Nedbank Cup final will see a clash between Soweto rivals as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will meet at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 10 May 2025.