Will Kaizer Chiefs skinny and depleted backline survive towards the league champions Mamelodi Sundowns? Let’s delve in and discover out.
Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi finds himself in a defensive dilemma forward of Sunday’s high-stakes Nedbank Cup semi-final towards Sundowns. Accidents threaten to facet line each of his key centre-backs, casting critical doubt over the membership’s probabilities of stopping their in-form rivals.
Inacio Miguel suffered an harm blow throughout Chiefs’ latest Betway Premiership conflict towards TS Galaxy at Peter Mokaba Stadium. The Angolan defender slipped and fell whereas Chiefs held a 1-0 lead, forcing an Eightieth-minute substitution. Edmilson Dove stepped in to exchange him—however moments later, Chiefs conceded a late equalizer by way of Mlungisi Mbunjana.
Dortley nonetheless out, Miguel uncertain for Sunday
Rushwin Dortley stays out of motion, and all indicators recommend he received’t recuperate in time for the semi-final. His final look got here in Chiefs’ slender 1-0 defeat to Sundowns final month at Lucas Moripe Stadium. That recreation marked Dove’s return to the beginning XI, masking at left-back as Bradley Cross continued his inconsistent run.
With Dortley sidelined and Miguel’s standing unsure, Chiefs could also be compelled to rely solely on Edmilson Dove and Given Msimango to carry down the central protection. It’s a dangerous proposition towards a Sundowns workforce recognized for relentless attacking play.
Nabi stays hopeful regardless of defensive setbacks
Talking on Miguel’s harm, Nabi said:
“About Miguel, we’ll wait to see if he’s doing to get the considered medical workers to see he will likely be there for the subsequent recreation.”
Regardless of lacking key gamers and enduring a four-match winless streak within the league, Nabi continues to intention excessive. Chiefs presently cling to a top-eight league spot, however the coach stays centered on an even bigger prize: a top-four end and a return to CAF competitions.
“Concerning ending within the high three, we’re specializing in taking every recreation because it comes,” mentioned Nabi. “To be trustworthy, will probably be very troublesome as a result of we have now dropped factors that we shouldn’t have. Nonetheless, we’ll method every recreation individually and see the place we find yourself within the league.”
Can Chiefs survive the Sundowns storm?
Sunday’s conflict is greater than only a semi-final, it’s a check of depth, resilience, and technique. With defensive choices dwindling, Nabi should rally his squad for what might be their hardest problem but this season. If Chiefs can overcome the chances, the victory may mark a turning level in a marketing campaign that has struggled to realize momentum.
Keep tuned with The South African as we ask, Will Kaizer Chiefs skinny backline survive towards Sundowns?
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