Defensive approaches from both sides resulted in a tactical battle that ended in a dull 0-0 draw as extra-time and penalties were necessary to decide who would advance to the Final of this year’s League Cup.
Chiefs’ five-man defence
As the home side, Chiefs were expected to take the game to Pirates, especially after their 3-1 drubbing in the League clash a week ago. However, Steve Komphela’s side operated with a five-man defence for much of the match. Despite the half-time substitution of Lorenzo Gordinho replacing Ivan Bukenya, Willard Katsande often dropped deep in between Gordinho and Eric Mathoho, and played as a third centre-back. On a number of occasions, Katsande caused some confusion in the backline as the two centre-halves were forced apart, leaving gaps for Kermit Erasmus and co. to exploit.
Pirates unable to use wing-play
Pirates were unable to use their usual wing-play due to Chiefs’ crowded defence and found it easier to go through the midfield with Erasmus and Thamsanqa Gabuza. Thabo Rakhale and Mpho Makola found it tough to find their way around the Chiefs full-backs, as Tsepo Masilela and Siboniso Gaxa constantly overlapped on the flanks and forced the Pirates wingers deep into their own half. Makola was particularly quiet in the first half and was replaced by Menzi Masuku in the second half, with the Under-23 international taking up a more central role as a ‘third striker’.
Pirates’ high defensive line
Ayanda Gcaba and Siyabonga Sangweni did well to successfully hold a high line at the back throughout the game, which aided in keeping Camaldine Abraw at bay. Abraw was unable to make any runs in behind the Pirates defence and was trapped offside on a number of occasions.
Sarr, Ntshumayelo solid in midfield
Issa Sarr and Thandani Ntshumayelo played as deep-lying central midfielders and assisted their defence with aplomb, as Chiefs rarely broke through the middle to threaten Siyabonga Mpontshane in the Pirates goal. The midfield duo also handled Siphiwe Tshabalala and George Lebese cutting inside from wide positions and forced Chiefs to shoot from distance.
Chiefs lacked midfield distribution
Apart from early chances for Lebese and Bukenya, Chiefs failed to create any real goalscoring chances from open play throughout the 120 minutes. Hendrick Ekstein, who was entrusted with the responsibility of a ‘number 10’ role, lacked the maturity and experience to pull the strings in midfield, thus starving Abraw of the ball by playing the ball sideways, even on counter-attacks. While Katsande was more focused on defence, Lucky Baloyi was also absent in the centre of the park as he rarely took possession, and remained static. The 2015 Telkom Knockout finalists missed Reneilwe Letsholonyane’s prowess in controlling the speed of play and his ability to pick out an attacker in an advancing position.
