The Amakhosi join fellow heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in the last four, keeping their hopes of lifting silverware firmly alive. However, it was far from a straightforward evening for the Soweto giants, who had to dig deep after an early setback against a determined Bloemfontein-based outfit.

The visitors made their intentions clear from the outset and came close to opening the scoring just six minutes into the contest. Sphesihle Jeza reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area, but Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen was equal to the task, producing an excellent save to keep his side in the game.

Sphesihle Jeza - Morgan Piek

Siwelele would not have to wait much longer to find the breakthrough. Five minutes later, Siyabonga Ndebele rose above his marker to meet a corner with a powerful header, leaving Petersen with little chance as the visitors took a deserved 1-0 lead.

Chiefs enjoyed plenty of possession as the first half progressed, but struggled to turn their dominance into meaningful opportunities.

Their persistence eventually paid off in the 36th minute when Mfundo Vilakazi was brought down by Vincent Pule inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot, but Mduduzi Shabalala failed to make the opportunity count, sending his penalty over the crossbar.

The hosts were handed another chance from 12 yards in first-half stoppage time after Ndebele brought down Shabalala with a late challenge.

This time, Wandile Duba stepped up and made no mistake, calmly beating goalkeeper Jody February to restore parity at 1-1 heading into the half-time break.

Siwelele made changes at the interval, introducing Christian Saile and Njabulo Ngcobo in an attempt to regain control of the contest. Shadrack Kobedi was also brought on shortly after the hour mark.

However, Chiefs returned with considerably more purpose and began to turn up the pressure, forcing Siwelele deeper into their own half.

The home side continued to push for a winner and were eventually rewarded in the 84th minute. Substitute Asanele Velebayi made an immediate impact, finding space before firing a low effort past February to send the Amakhosi supporters into celebration and put Chiefs 2-1 ahead.

Siwelele refused to surrender and nearly snatched a late equaliser in the final minute of normal time. A defensive error from Thabo Moloisane presented Zakhele Lepasa with an opportunity, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

Chiefs managed to see out the remaining minutes to secure their place in the semi-finals, while Siwelele were left to reflect on a spirited performance that ultimately ended in disappointment.

In Sunday night's other semi-final, Stellenbosch FC beat AmaZulu 2-1 at the Danie Craven Stadium in Coetzenburg.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport