Carling Knockout: Sundowns, Chiefs, Stellenbosch and Pirates reach semi-finals

The Carling Knockout semi-final line-up has been confirmed after the quarter-finals concluded on Sunday evening.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates secured the first two places in the last four, before the remaining ties were played on Sunday.

Kaizer Chiefs faced Siwelele, while Stellenbosch took on AmaZulu in the other quarter-final. The outcome of those matches completed a semi-final draw featuring four of South Africa’s leading clubs.

The semi-final fixtures are:

– Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs – Stellenbosch FC v Orlando Pirates

Stellenbosch edge past AmaZulu

AmaZulu entered their match against Stellenbosch hoping to take their strong league form into the cup competition.

They created an early opportunity when Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, the league’s leading scorer, found himself one-on-one in the opening 10 minutes. However, he was unable to convert the chance.

AmaZulu were punished for that miss in the 29th minute. Chumani Butsaka gave Stellenbosch the lead with a well-struck volley, putting Arthur Zwane’s side under pressure.

The advantage lasted only four minutes. AmaZulu responded when Mlondi Mbanjwa beat goalkeeper Nathan Garrow to level the contest.

The goal was Mbanjwa’s first in the Carling Knockout and his third across all competitions.

The match remained level until stoppage time, when Stellenbosch were awarded a penalty. Sinoxolo Kwayiba converted from the spot in the eighth minute of added time to send Gavin Hunt’s side into the semi-finals.

Their reward is a meeting with Orlando Pirates, while Mamelodi Sundowns will face Kaizer Chiefs for a place in the final.