Stellenbosch FC sealed their spot in the MTN8 semifinals with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over AmaZulu at a packed Cape Town Stadium on Sunday evening.
In a tightly contested quarter-final, the Maroons showed grit and attacking intent despite benching new signing Lehlohonolo Mojela. Their front three of Andre De Jong, Devon Titus, and Ashley Cupido provided a constant threat, while AmaZulu handed debuts to Keegan Allan and Ryan Moon.
Allan made an immediate impact, marking his debut with a goal in the 18th minute as he poked home from close range after a well-weighted pass from Sandile Mthethwa.
However, last season’s beaten MTN8 finalists showed resilience. Sanele Barns restored parity for Stellenbosch with a thunderous strike into the top corner just six minutes later, shifting the momentum.
AmaZulu’s rhythm was disrupted near the half-hour mark when starting goalkeeper Richard Ofori was forced off with injury, prompting the introduction of Olwethu Mzimela. Despite a flurry of chances for both sides, the teams went into the break locked at 1-1.
The second half began with high intensity, and Barns, one of the standout performers, stepped up again late in the game. He curled in a clever free-kick at the near post to complete his brace and give Stellenbosch a 2-1 lead.
AmaZulu refused to fold and clawed their way back into the contest. Substitute Tebogo Mashigo pulled the visitors level with a looping shot from a tight angle that beat goalkeeper Sage Stephens and sent the match into extra time.
Ben Motshwari could have won it for Usuthu late in regulation time, but the midfielder blazed his shot over the bar from inside the box – a missed opportunity that proved costly.
After a goalless first period of extra time, Stellies regained control. Second-half substitute Langelihle Phili stepped up with a moment of individual brilliance, cutting inside from the flank and rifling a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 3-2.
AmaZulu pressed hard for a third equaliser, but Stellenbosch held firm in the closing minutes to seal their progression to the last four.
The win continues Stellenbosch’s strong cup form, and they now await their semi-final opponents as the MTN8 competition heats up.