Vodacom Challenge Cup: Chiefs 2 Kotoko 1

Rustenburg - Jabu Pule single-handedly steered Kaizer Chiefs to the finals of the Vodacom Challenge Cup in Durban next Sunday.

The dazzling mid-field cum-striker scored two goals - one in each half - for the defending champions against Asante Kotoko of Ghana in their 2-1 semifinal victory at the Mmabatho Stadium in Mafikeng on Sunday. The score was 1-1 at half-time.

Nana Arhin-Duah levelled matters for the Ghanians when he finished off a rebound off the crossbar from a shot fired by Frank Osei three minutes into the 42nd minute

The fast-paced game was played in front of a huge crowd.

Pule's 46th second and 80th minute goals meant that the Phefeni Glamour Boys would face FC St Elio Lupopo of the DR Congo at the Absa Stadium while Chiefs rivals Orlando Pirates and Kotoko, who played their hearts out against Chiefs on Sunday, would contest the third and fourth places in the early game at the Banana City.

Thousands of soccer enthusiasts, who had paid R20 and R15 for the first leg in Mmabatho, got their money's worth as they enjoyed superb ball-juggling skills from the start to finish of the Chiefs/Kotoko game.

Both teams' peformances resembled that of last years' final in Durban where AmaKhosi edged out Kotoko 3-2 via penalties.

Chiefs, the 2000 and 20001 champions, would be looking at retaining their trophy which if successful would be their's for keeps.

Pule, who lived up to assistant coach Doctor Khumalo's hopes of impressing, scooped R5000 after being deservedly voted Man of the Match while Nsimba Lusaka of Lupopo also took home the same amount after impressing the officials with his fine skills.

Kotoko: Osei Boateng, Abass Inusah, Godfred Yeboah, Dan Acquah, Joe Hendricks Aziz Ansah, Godwin Ablordey, Hamza Mohammed, Shilla Alhassan, Nana Arhin Duah, Frank Osei

Kaizer Chiefs: Brian Baloyi, Stanton Fredericks, Gary Goldstone, David Kannemeyer, Arthur Zwane, Isaac Mabotsa, Justice Sithole, Jabu Pule, Peter Matshitse, Thabo Mooki, Cyril Nzama.