Paez rescues Amakhosi

Imagine the stories Acornbush United players and their supporters would have been telling this morning were it not for Kaizer Chiefs' striker Gustavo Paez.

For a while yesterday Acornbush were on their way to a fairy-tale win over a full-strength Amakhosi in the Nedbank Cup last 16.

But Paez spoilt what would have been a party of note with a brace in the final 15 minutes of this enthralling clash to inspire Amakhosi to a 2-1 come-from-behind victory.

The locals came out in their numbers, some of whom sat on top of the perimeter wall just to get a good view of the match. That's the beauty of having big matches in areas where people are not as fortunate as those in the big cities where there are World Cup stadiums.

Leading up to this game, Acornbush made it clear that they would play without any fear of Chiefs. They were not bluffing. They fought hard from the beginning, keeping it tight at the back whenever Amakhosi threatened their box. They were confident in possession of the ball as well.

The hosts, who beat Cape Town City in the last 32, had the best chance of the first half when Mduduzi Nkosi was put through by a pass from midfield.

Nkosi did well to round Chiefs' goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, but with the net begging to be rattled, the left winger put his shot wide.

At the other end of the pitch, Chiefs' Joseph Molangoane forced a save from Acornbush goalkeeper Sibusiso Masuku four minutes later. But Acornbush were down to 10 men just before the half-hour mark, when Sandy Nyathi was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Willard Katsande.

The red card did not deter them. They defended well, clearing whatever came their way and they were soon rewarded at the other end of the pitch before half time.

Rhulani Sidumo, a Chiefs' product, gave the ABC Motsepe League outfit the lead with a header from an Nkosi cross.

Acornbush defended too deeply in the second period and they were punished twice by Paez.