Kaizer Chiefs booked their spot in the Nedbank Cup final with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday evening.
Two changes from Masandawana's draw with Esperance saw Bathusi Aubaas and Iqraam Rayners come in for Jayden Adams and Arthur Sales, while the Amakhosi had Thabo Cele back in the midfield.
Rayners almost made the opening with a teasing shot from the near post of the area after meeting Lucas Ribeiro’s pass, but goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma was equal to the task.
The Amakhosi nearly stunned the host as a powerful attempt from a long way out by Gaston Sirino forced Ronwen Williams to hurry back and parry out for a corner-kick.
Sundowns were forced to make a substitution five minutes before halftime after Asekho Tiwani came on to replace Divine Lunga, who was stretchered off with an injury.
However, Masandawana still got in front in the final minute of the first half when a scorching free-kick from the edge of the area by Teboho Mokoena went in off the underside of the crossbar.
Despite being in front, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso still introduced two changes at the start of the second half, with Adams coming for Aubaas while Sales replaced Rayners upfront.
Chiefs remained confident and were level ten minutes into the second half through a composed finish from Duba after a defensive error by Lucas Suarez.
Danger man Ribeiro nearly restored the home side’s lead moments later with a first-time finish from the centre of the area, but he went well over the top.
The Amakhosi continued to show a nerve of steel and found the winner in the 89th minute when Ashley Du Preez beat the offside trap to side-foot in a floated cross.
The Amakhosi will now face Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates in the final.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Lunga, Kekana, Suarez, Mokoena, Aubaas, Allende, Ribeiro, Shalulile, Rayners
Subs: Onyango, Lebusa, Mdunyelwa, Tiwani, Modiba, Adams, Matthews, Esquivel, Sales
Kaizer Chiefs: Bvuma, Solomons, Dove, Msimango, Cross, Maart, Cele, Sirino, Mmodi, Lilepo, Duba
Subs: Petersen, Kwinika, Blom, Matlou, Mthethwa, Shabalala, Du Preez, Morris, Vilakazi
