The dream lives on as Nabi and Co stun juggernaut Sundowns

KAIZER Chiefs' days of returning to championship glory are just one match away, as they reached the Nedbank Cup final after beating Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday night.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Chiefs have fallen from grace in recent years, enduring a 10-year barren run that made a mockery of their 'Cup Kings' tag. The wait, could soon be over, however, should they manage to beat the defending champions and arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the final.

This result means that Chiefs are now one match away from not only winning the trophy, but also qualifying for continental football next season. The result might also offer coach Nasreddine Nabi a lifeline, as he has been under pressure to deliver, with his team potentially missing out on the Top 8 this season.

The game did not initially live up to its magnitude, as both teams started cautiously, analysing each other's strengths and weaknesses. But such is the nature of Sundowns that they do not need to be at their best to score goals, especially against Chiefs.

Mokoena scored a scorching free-kick on the stroke of half-time to give Sundowns the lead and notch their eighth goal against Chiefs this season.