Jphannesburg – Kaizer Chiefs advanced to the semi-finals of the MTN8 when they defeated a lacklustre Free State Stars in Saturday's quarter-final at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Chiefs were largely on top and took the lead in the first half through Dumisani Zuma. Leonardo Castro added a second after the break before a late strike from Khama Billiat completed the scoring.
A serious injury to Joseph Molangoane was a negative to both teams involved.
Chiefs came out full of positivity following their defeat to Bidvest Wits during their previous game in the Premiership.
Inside 15 minutes the lively Billiat attempted to open the scoring from a free-kick situation. However, the Zimbabwe international sent his set-piece off target in the 13th minute.
However, the Glamour Boys hit the front in the 20th minute following a fine team move which Stars could do little to deal with. After a switch to the right found Ramahlwe Mphahlele in space, the right-back played in Molangoane in the box.
The attacking midfielder showed great skill to shake off his defender before playing in Zuma, who side-footed home with remarkable composure near the penalty spot.
Molangoane was having a fine first half and nearly added a second following a smart set-up by veteran defensive midfielder Willard Katsande.
Centre-back Daniel Cardoso had two chances before the break but fired wide on the volley with the goal gaping, before being perhaps unfortunate to see a header drift wide of the post.
After the interval, Stars were not their usual fluent self and it would be Chiefs who added to their advantage. Castro raced into a goal-scoring position after a superb reverse pass by the influential Siphelele Ntshangase.
The Colombian star showed great composure as he scooped a finish over the on-rushing Badra Ali Sangare. The contest was soured when Molangoane appeared to break his ankle in a 50/50 challenge.
With that said, striker Judas Moseamedi nearly pulled one back when his diving header was parried stunningly by an alert Virgil Vries.
During injury time the excellent Billiat ran on to an incisive through ball by Castro, before sliding a low strike under Sangare who may have
