Stellenbosch FC beat Durban City to reach Carling Knockout quarter-finals

Stellenbosch FC secured their place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Durban City on Wednesday evening, thanks to two late goals from Sinoxolo Kwayiba.

Kwayiba struck in the 84th minute before adding a second in stoppage time at 90+4 to settle a closely contested tie.

Durban City, known as the Team of Choice, went into the match in confident mood after qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on Sunday. However, the Maroons, who won the Carling Knockout in 2023, were aiming to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions to five matches.

City were forced into an early change when Gaston Sirino felt discomfort during the opening quarter and was unable to continue. Samkelo Maseko came on as his replacement.

Despite that setback, Durban City continued to threaten. Tylo Sanger moved into space outside the penalty area and struck an effort which went over the target.

Maseko also came close after half an hour when he collected a loose ball inside the box and attempted a half-volley, but his shot drifted wide.

Stellenbosch strike late

The second half began with both sides searching for a way through. Haashim Domingo created the first major opportunity when he found room on the edge of the area and went past a challenge, forcing Stellenbosch FC debutant Nathan Garrow to make a diving save.

Stellenbosch responded quickly. Quwan Plaatjies met a cross with a header from the centre of the area, but failed to direct his effort on target.

Durban City regained momentum soon afterwards and almost opened the scoring when Siphamandla Ncanana delivered a cross towards the back post. Letsie Koapeng reached it with his head, but the striker sent the ball into the side-netting.

Stellenbosch then created a clear opening of their own. A long ball found Kwayiba, who held off the challenge before laying it back for substitute Raoul Daniels. Daniels ran in behind the defence and found himself one-on-one with Frederic Asare, but the goalkeeper kept out his attempt.

Kwayiba finally broke the deadlock five minutes before the end. He made a forward run into the penalty area, met a low cross from Lateef Kazeem and fired beyond Asare.

Durban City pushed players forward in search of an immediate response, but Stellenbosch took advantage of the space left behind. A corner was switched across the pitch to Kwayiba, who was released clean through on goal and finished past Asare to complete his brace and confirm Stellenbosch FC’s progress.