Kaizer Chiefs advanced to the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup for the first time since 2019 after defeating Casric Stars 2-1 at FNB Stadium on Sunday evening. Amakhosi opened the scoring through a penalty kick from Bimenyimana in the 11th minute, but Casric Stars equalized through Kgomotso Mosadi in the 63rd minute. However, Ashley Du Preez restored Chiefs’ lead with a first-time side-footed shot in the box after a low cross by Keagan Dolly, and the Glamour Boys held on for the win to advance to the final eight.
Chiefs made only one enforced change to the side that edged Richards Bay, as Kamohelo Mahlatsi earned a rare start in place of the suspended Christian Saile Basomboli. Amakhosi had a dream start after they were awarded a penalty on 11 minutes for a handball in the box, which allowed Bimenyimana to convert by sending goalkeeper Ludwe Mpakumpaku the wrong. Casric had space on the ball and Kgomotso Mosadi had a good chance to level matters from a rebound midway through the first stanza after shot-stopper Brandon Petersen parried a ball into his path but he directed the volley over the crossbar.
Amakhosi opened up Stars a couple of times towards the end of first stanza with combination play as Mduduzi Shabalala had a golden opportunity shortly before the interval after he went through on goal in the box but Mpakumpaku closed the angle and made a point-blank save with his legs in a one-on-one.
Arthur Zwane’s charges found themselves in some good spaces in and around the box from the break but their decision-making let them down and their momentum was interrupted after Bimenyimana went down injured and was replaced by Ashley Du Preez. However, Stars were gifted a way back into the clash as a mistake at the back just after the hour-mark led to Mosadi finding the equaliser for the visitors with a well-taken volley in the box after Petersen parried his initial shot back into play.
Chiefs responded almost immediately, as Du Preez restored their lead with a first-time side-footed shot in the box after a low cross by Keagan Dolly. Stars opened acres of space behind their defence and were fortunate to still be in the game a couple of minutes later as Shabalala broke the off-side trap to go clear on goal but his shot was blocked onto the outside of the post by Mpakumpaku.
Amakhosi were living dangerously at the back in the closing stages, as the second-tier side threw numbers upfront and Zwane needed fresh legs in midfield in the last nine minutes, as Samkelo Zwane replaced Yusuf Maart. Casric continued to make life uncomfortable for Chiefs in the dying minutes with a high press, searching for the equaliser but the Glamour Boys knocked the ball around and held on for the win to advance to the quarter-finals.
