Sundowns book MTN8 final date with Wits after slender win over enterprising Chippa

Manelodi Sundowns had to contain a fiery Chippa United before showing their class by producing Anthony Laffor's 76th-minute winner to reach the MTN8 final.

Downs' hardfought 1-0 win in the second leg - and on aggregate - at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday night has set up a dream final against Bidvest Wits at Mbombela Stadium on  October 1.

The venue of the final was announced by the Premier Soccer League before Wednesday night's semi.

After weathering a storm that Chippa brought with them up to Johannesburg from the coast, Sundowns took the lead through substitute Anthony Laffor's fine strike.

If there's one big positive feature Chippa do not lack it's confidence - they have mountains of the stuff and fear no-one.

They have other attributes too. Their arrogance on the ball is derived from the quiet swagger of coach Dan "Dance" Malesela and his fearless, carpet attacking football.

Missing arguably their two most instrumental players injured - defensive midfielder Siyabonga Sangweni and big striker Rhulani Manzini - they took the game to Downs.

With Saturday's huge Caf Champions League second leg match (Downs are 2-1 down from the first leg) looming Brazilians coach Pitso Mosimane rested some players, but still put out a strong team.

Front-liners Denis Onyango, Tiyani Mabunda, Thabo Nthethe, Asavela Mbekile, Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat were all there.

Centreback Ricardo Nascimento, and forwards Sibusiso Vilakazi and Yannick Zakri came in.

Sundowns came out dominating the early exchanges on home turf.

Dolly burst into the area in the first minute and forced a save from Chippa goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.

Zakri made ground down the right, cut in and chipped to Khama Billiat, who shot over the bar.

From there, though, Chippa grew in strength, and began to pry openings with such regularity that Downs were fortunate not to go into the break at least two goals down.

Marc van Heerden's swerving free-kick bounced wickedly in front of Onyango and was pushed for a corner.

Mbulelo Wambi forced a save from Onyango.

The keeper then spilled Van Heerden's corner, with Xolani Mdaki shooting high.

Diamond Thopola made ground down the right, cut in and passed to Menzi Masuku who feigned a shot then found Andile Mbenyane, whose strike was deflected for a corner.

Before half time Wambi was through again but scuffed a shot harmlessly wide.

Sundowns regrouped after the break. The semifinal became cagier and more tactical, and deadlocked in a tense midfield battle.

Mosimane introduced Laffor and Percy Tau for Zakri and Dolly.

Downs showed their class clinically engineering and taking their opener. In a movement where the ball was worked via Vilakazi and Billiat to Laffor steaming through free on the right, the Liberian made no mistake finishing past Akpeyi.

Then the Brazilians closed shop for the last 10 minutes.

Downs had drawn 0-0 against Chippa in the first leg in Port Elizabeth on Sunday, Septrmber 11.

  - TMG Digital