DHL Stadium – Stellenbosch FC stunned Nedbank Cup defending champions Kaizer Chiefs with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at a sold-out DHL Stadium on Wednesday night to book their place in the next round.
Kick-off was delayed by 30 minutes, with the Match Commissioner Jerome Damon confirming a revised start time of 19h30 to accommodate supporters who were still making their way to the stadium. The atmosphere remained electric as fans packed the venue for the much-anticipated clash.
Kaizer Chiefs registered the first attempt on goal through midfielder Gastón Sirino after some neat build-up play from the Soweto giants, but his effort was well blocked by a Stellenbosch defender. The hosts then struck first in the seventh minute when they were awarded a penalty after defender Thabo Moloisane was fouled in the box. Nigerian international midfielder Ibraheem Jabaar stepped up confidently to convert from the spot, handing Gavin Hunt’s side a 1-0 lead.
Moloisane was forced off through injury following the challenge, with Belgian international Henri Stanic introduced as his replacement. As the tempo increased, Chiefs pushed hard for an equaliser and came close in the 17th minute when Mduduzi Tshabalala found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Sage Stephens produced a fine save to preserve the lead.
Stellenbosch doubled their advantage in spectacular fashion in the 23rd minute after winning possession in Chiefs’ half. Captain Devon Titus unleashed a powerful long-range strike from just outside the 25-metre mark, sending the home crowd into raptures as it made its way into the back of the net for 2-0.
Just before the break, Tshabalala had two clear opportunities to pull one back for Amakhosi, but Stephens and the Stellenbosch defence stood firm. Chiefs continued to apply pressure, but the hosts went into half-time with a deserved two-goal cushion.
The visitors came out firing in the second half, applying sustained pressure from the outset. Their efforts were rewarded in the 53rd minute when Chiefs were awarded a penalty following a defensive error from Stellenbosch. Flavio da Silva made no mistake from the spot to reduce the deficit to 2-1 and bring the defending champions back into the contest.
Substitute Langelihle Phili nearly restored Stellenbosch’s two-goal advantage soon after, but his one-on-one effort was brilliantly denied by Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
Both sides traded chances in an intense final stretch, but neither could find another breakthrough.
Stellenbosch held their nerve in the closing stages to secure a famous 2-1 victory, knocking out the defending champions and advancing to the next stage of the Nedbank Cup.
