Stellenbosch FC secured their place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals after defeating Durban City FC 2-0 at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday evening, with Sinoxolo Kwayiba scoring twice in the closing stages of the match.
The final Round of 16 fixture kicked off at 19:00, with both sides looking to book the last available place in the quarter-finals. Durban City won the first corner of the game in the third minute as they looked to make their presence felt early.
In the 15th minute, Samkelo Maseko replaced Sirino, who picked up a minor injury and needed to be rested. Both goalkeepers were called into action as the match progressed, with Asare making a save in the 18th minute before Garrow produced a spectacular stop for Stellenbosch in the 32nd minute.
Garrow was called upon again shortly after the restart, making another impressive save in the 49th minute. Asare responded with an important stop of his own in the 60th minute as the contest remained goalless.
Durban City introduced Sifumba and Mokone in the 62nd minute in search of a breakthrough, while Stellenbosch made a triple substitution three minutes later, bringing on Kazeem, Daniels and Butsaka. Kazeem had an opportunity to put Stellenbosch ahead in the 66th minute but failed to capitalise.
With the match approaching its final stages, Durban City continued searching for a goal. However, it was Stellenbosch who finally broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute when Kwayiba found the back of the net, assisted by Kazeem.
Durban City pushed forward in response, with Mokwena coming close in the 86th minute with a half-bicycle kick. The hosts missed another opportunity in the 91st minute, leaving them with little time to find an equaliser.
In stoppage time, Asare joined his teammates in the box for Durban City’s final corner, hoping to force a late goal. However, Stellenbosch launched a counterattack, allowing Kwayiba to score into an empty net and complete his brace in the 93rd minute.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Stellenbosch, ending Durban City’s Carling Knockout campaign.
Despite the defeat, Ncanana walked away with the R100,000 Champion of the Match award.
Carling Knockout Quarter-Final Draw
The quarter-final draw took place live at Chatsworth Stadium following the match, confirming the following fixtures:
- Fixture 1: Stellenbosch FC vs AmaZulu FC
- Fixture 2: Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United
- Fixture 3: Kaizer Chiefs vs Siwelele FC
- Fixture 4: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Golden Arrows
With the Round of 16 now complete, the remaining eight teams will turn their attention to the quarter-finals as the race for the Carling Knockout Cup continues.