DHL STADIUM – Stellenbosch FC edged Kaizer Chiefs 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the two sides played to a goalless draw in the Carling Knockout Cup last-16 clash at DHL Stadium on Sunday.
Stellenbosch captain Sage Stephens produced a heroic performance, saving two penalties to help his side progress to the last eight as they continue their quest to defend their Carling Knockout title.
Stephens came on as a substitute for the Cape Winelands side after first-choice goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke was forced to leave the field due to injury.
Both sides started the match brightly, but Chiefs striker Khanyisa Mayo came close to opening the scoring in the 14th minute when his shot from just outside the 20-yard area struck the upright, keeping the score at 0-0.
DRC forward Glody Lilepo nearly caused heartbreak for the home side when his shot was brilliantly saved by Masuluke in the 16th minute, resulting in a corner for Chiefs.
With little action in front of goal, both sides went into the halftime break still searching for the opener.
In the 57th minute, Masuluke collided with Mayo and was subsequently substituted and taken to hospital for tests, making way for Stephens, while the score remained 0-0.
The match ended goalless after 90 minutes, forcing both sides into an additional 30 minutes of extra time to decide the outcome in front of a packed crowd beneath the iconic Table Mountain.
In the 117th minute, Lilepo was brought down just outside the Stellenbosch box in what could have been a decisive scoring opportunity for Chiefs. The referee awarded a free kick, which Lilepo took himself, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Stephens.
As the match neared its conclusion, just seconds before stoppage time, Chiefs were preparing to bring on their second goalscorer for penalties, Bruce Bvuma, but Fiacre Ntwari refused to be substituted.
Following that incident, Ntwari made a crucial save from Andre de Jong’s penalty, giving Chiefs an early advantage in the shootout.
Stephens had the final say in the shootout, giving his side a much-needed boost by saving penalties from Tashreeq Morris and Dillan Solomons, as Steve Barker’s charges celebrated a hard-fought victory.
Image: @StellenboschFC/Twitter.
