Free State Stars beat Chiefs

Chiefs enjoyed the better of the match and wasted countless opportunities to hit the back of the net, with Mabhuti Khenyeza and Tshepo Bulu the main culprits.

Khenyeza’s first chance arrived in the 22nd minute when Arthur Zwane crossed from the right, but an unmarked Khenyeza sent a tame header straight at Kennedy Mweene.

The Amakhosi striker then had a shot blocked three minutes later, with the ball falling to Thuso Phala, who’s shot was superbly blocked by Mweene.

Prince Olomu almost put Stars ahead in the 40th minute with a powerful volley at the far post, but Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune produced a superb save to deny the midfielder.

Mweene was then called into action two minutes later to deny Bulu from close range, after the forward had latched onto a long clearance by Khune.

Chiefs continued pushing forward with both Khenyeza and Bulu having shots cleared off the line seconds before the interval.

Muhsin Ertugral’s men continued in the same vein in the second half and Bulu should have put them ahead four minutes after the restart when Zwane picked him out with a superb cross, but the unmarked striker headed over the crossbar.

Substitute Reneilwe Letsholonyane should have given Chiefs the lead in the 76th minute when he found himself clear on goal, but he was thwarted by a brave Mweene, who rushed off his line to save at the feet of the midfielder.

The match then moved to penalties, where Mweene again proved his worth by making two splendid saves and scoring from the spot himself to secure Stars’ passage to the final, where they will meet the winner of the second semifinal contested between Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic.