Late drama sends Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch into Carling Knockout semi-finals

Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch secured places in the South African League Cup semi-finals with late goals on Sunday.

Substitute Asenele Velebayi scored six minutes from time as Kaizer Chiefs came from behind to beat Siwelele 2-1 in Polokwane. The result set up a semi-final meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Siwelele, who have been without a permanent coach since former Lesotho international Lehlohonolo Seema was dismissed in September, made a surprise breakthrough in the 11th minute.

Siyabonga Ndebele put the home side ahead, but Chiefs were level just before half-time when Wandile Duba converted a penalty. It was Duba’s seventh goal in all competitions this season.

The decisive moment came when a backpass intended for Siwelele goalkeeper Jody February was intercepted by Flavio Da Silva.

The Guinea-Bissau international then found Velebayi, who drilled a low angled shot into the far corner to score his first goal of the season and complete the turnaround.

Stellenbosch set up Pirates semi-final

Stellenbosch also needed a late effort to progress, overcoming AmaZulu 2-1 after a penalty was converted by Sinoxolo Kwayiba during seven minutes of added time.

The hosts had taken the lead in the western Cape town in the 28th minute through Chumani Butsaka. Their advantage lasted only five minutes before Gopolang Taunyana put through his own net to bring AmaZulu level.

Stellenbosch’s reward is a home semi-final against holders Orlando Pirates.

Pirates, who won three of the four domestic competitions last season including the championship, reached the last four with a 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in Soweto on Saturday.

Teenager Mpho Padime scored the only goal in the first half.

Mamelodi Sundowns also advanced on Saturday, beating Golden Arrows 1-0 in Pretoria, and will face Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-finals.

Alongside their domestic campaign, Orlando Pirates have qualified for the CAF Champions League group stage, which begins on November 27.

The South African side will play Renaissance Berkane of Morocco, Simba of Tanzania and Colombe of Cameroon home and away in the group phase.

The group winners and runners-up will qualify for the quarter-finals.