Warriors advanced to the final of the inaugural DStv Compact Cup after netting late to sink Amabutho 2-1 on Saturday evening.
DStv Compact Cup - Semi-Final
Result: Warriors 2-1 Amabutho
Date: 22 January 2022
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Warriors had a formidable line-up, with goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune getting back to action, Ngcobo partnering Happy Jele in the heart of defence while Keagan Dolly and Kwame Peprah led the attack, while Victor Letsoalo and Samkelo Mzolo had a striking partnership for Amabutho.
Amabutho had a bright start and Pule Mmodi had a chance to open the scoring in the 19th minute with a low volley in the box that was smothered by Khune.
Mmodi had another chance for Lehlohonolo Seema's charges just before the half-hour mark after breaking away at the near post but his close-range strike was saved by Khune with his legs.
Warriors got into the game in the closing phase of the first stanza but they could not create clear chances, with the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch and Dolly kept quiet.
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However, Dylan Kerr's men had a perfect start in the second stanza after Siyethemba Sithebe played a back-pass that evaded his club goalkeeper Veli Mothwa and trickled into bottom corner.
Warriors made a couple of changes on the hour-mark, with Sabelo Radebe, voted by fans, came on for Marks Munyai, with Njabulo Blom switching to right-back while Dolly also made way for Ethan Brooks.
However, Nkosinathi Sibisi levelled matters for Amabutho 22 minutes before time with a volley from a rebound in the six-yard box after Khune initially denied Leletu Skelem with a reflex save.
Mmodi had a chance to give Seema's men the lead 14 minutes before time after going through on goal in the box but his cracking strike was saved by Khune.
Monnapule Saleng snatched the winner for Warriors three minutes before time with a low strike across goal after a cross over the top to setup a meeting in the final with Coastal United while Amabutho will play against Dinaledi in the third/fourth place play-off.
Here's how they started:
Warriors: Khune, Njabulo Ngcobo, Mako, Jele, Matlaba, Lorch, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Blom, Hotto, Dolly, Peprah
Amabutho: Mothwa, Xoki, Sibisi, Ritchie, Dube, Memela, Qalinge, Potsane, Claasen, Letoalo, Mulenga.
Who do you think will win the inaugural DStv Compact Cup?
