Stellenbosch edge past AmaZulu with stoppage-time penalty to reach Carling Knockout semi-finals

Stellenbosch secured a place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals after beating AmaZulu 2-1 at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday evening.

The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when AmaZulu defender Taariq Fielies handled the ball inside the penalty area. Sinoxolo Kwayiba converted the resulting spot-kick to settle a closely contested quarter-final.

Stellenbosch had made the brighter start, with Kwayiba threatening in the fourth minute. His header went close before AmaZulu goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela saved his effort a minute later.

AmaZulu then missed an opportunity to take control of the match when their talisman, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, delayed his shot in the eighth minute and was unable to finish the chance.

The hosts eventually took the lead in the 29th minute. Chumani Butsaka met the ball with a volley to put Stellenbosch ahead, but their advantage lasted only four minutes before Mlondi Mbanjwa equalised for AmaZulu.

Athini Maqokolo came close to completing a turnaround for the visitors when his long-range effort narrowly missed the target. Stellenbosch responded before half-time, with Quwan Plaatjies and George Matlou both going close.

The second half began with both teams adopting a more cautious approach. AmaZulu were forced to make a change in the 50th minute when Sandile Mthethwa went off injured.

Mbanjwa almost restored the visitors’ lead two minutes later after a quick counter-attack involving Maqokolo, but his attempt narrowly missed the target. Ngwenya also threatened when he sent a header towards goal from a corner.

With neither side able to create a clear opening, both teams turned to efforts from distance as they searched for a winner. Fielies’ handball then gave Stellenbosch the opportunity they needed, with Kwayiba keeping his composure from the penalty spot.

Stellenbosch now join Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in the next round of the Carling Knockout Cup.