Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of adding another cup title in their trophy cabinet were shattered after suffering a 5–4 defeat on penalties to Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout Cup last-16 clash at the DHL Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The tightly contested encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes of regulation time and an additional 30 minutes of extra time, forcing the match to be decided by a penalty shootout.
Stellenbosch held their nerve from the spot to edge out Amakhosi, sending the Cape side into the quarterfinals of the competition, while Chiefs were left to rue missed opportunities and another early cup exit.
The match’s kick off was delayed by 30 minutes due to long queues outside the venue, as large crowds of fans struggled to gain entry into the stadium.
Downward slide for Chiefs
The defeat adds further pressure on Chiefs, who have now gone several seasons without lifting a major domestic trophy, while Stellenbosch will look to build on this momentum as they continue their cup run.
In another Carling Knockout Cup, Richards Bay United booked their spot in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup after a convincing 4–1 victory over Chippa United at the Umhlathuze Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Natal Rich Boys made their intentions clear from the onset, scoring two quick goals within the first seven minutes with Nox Mutizwa opened the scoring in the fourth minute, and just moments later, Bonolo Ntlonelo doubled the lead in the seventh minute after capitalizing on Chippa’s defensive lapse.
Chippa United responded in the 25th minute to pull one back, but their joy was short-lived. Mutizwa, in fine form, completed his brace in the 37th minute to restore Richards Bay’s two-goal cushion and send the hosts into the break leading 3–1.
The second half produced fewer chances as Richards Bay focused on maintaining their control of the match. However, the hosts added a late flourish when Lundi Mahala netted their fourth goal in stoppage time to seal a comprehensive 4–1 triumph. Richards Bay’s dominant display sees them progress to the quarterfinal stage, while Chippa United exit the competition after a disappointing showing.
Meanwhile the competition’s defending champions, Magesi FC started their title defense on a high note after they defeated AmaZulu 3-2 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday evening.
Dikwena went on a half time break with a 2-0 lead after having scored two quick goals via Kgomotso Mosadi and Abbey Junior Seseane in the 26th and 33rd minutes respectively.
In the second half, it was Usuthu who approached the second half on high note after they completely stole the limelight from Magesi, and it came as no surprise when they reduced the score margin to 2-1 through Anithi Moqokola in the 56th minute with Mlondi Mbanjwa levelling the matters in the 71st minute.
Just when everyone was looking forward for the match to go to the extra time, Magesi’s veteran star, Thabiso Kutumela slotted home the Limpopo side’s winning goal at the referee’s added injury time to give the visitors the deserved 2-3 victory.
The draw for the quaterfinals of the competition which was conducted shortly after the AmaZulu v Magesi match will see Golden Arrows taking on TS Galaxy, Marumo Gallants v Stellenbosch FC, Orlando Pirates v Magesi, and Richards Bay v Durban City on the dates and venues still to be confirmed.
